SoCal Hosts Two Charity Poker Tournaments Next Weekend

Greg Raymer is going to have a busy Saturday next weekend.

The 2004 WSOP main-event champ is scheduled to appear at two charity poker tournaments in Southern California on May 9, one to benefit domestic violence victims and another to help out with the implementation of a program to end dog fighting in the area.

1736 Family Crisis Center’s Third-Annual Tournament

The first charity tournament, which will take place at 2 p.m. at Hollywood Park, will welcome a plethora of celebrities and professional poker players.

Jason Alexander, better known as George in Seinfeld, will host the event, which will benefit the 1736 Family Crisis Center. The foundation helps out the community in a variety of ways, from trying to reconnect runaway teens to their families to helping out domestic abuse victims to supporting those suffering from depression, anxiety, and family issues.

The tournament will welcome many celebrities, including, but not limited to, Montel Williams (daytime talk show host), Jason Lewis (actor from Sex and the City), James Lee (actor on Heroes), and Scott Ian (lead singer for Anthrax).

A number of poker pros and personalities will also be in attendance besides Raymer. 2007 WSOP champ Jamie Gold, Karina Jett, and Barbara Enright will also play in the tournament.

Nevada PPA state director Dianna Donofrio-Trigatzi will serve as the celebrity guest tournament director, and accomplished tournament director Matt Savage will also play in the event.

The tournament costs $250 to enter, with $100 rebuys. For more information, go to www.1736fcc.org.

Casino Royale: Playing for Change

PokerStars and the Hollywood office of the Humane Society of the United States are combining their efforts to host the Casino Royale: Playing for Change charity poker tournament on May 9 at 7 p.m.

The night will feature poker — as well as blackjack, roulette, and craps — in an effort to raise money for the implementation of the Humane Society’s program to end dog fighting in the area.

Tickets to the event, which will be held at a private Hollywood Hills residence, start at $350.

Several celebrities are scheduled to attend, including Bill Maher (Real Time with Bill Maher), Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie), Tony Denison (The Closer), Jorja Fox (CSI), and Michael Vartan (Alias).

WSOP champ Raymer will be in attendance, as will World Poker Tour announcer Vince Van Patten.

The winner of the event will get to choose between one of two prize packages — an entry into the 2010 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in the Bahamas or an entry into the 2009 WSOP main event in Las Vegas. Both prize packages include a seven-night hotel stay and are valued at $15,000.

For more information, contact Leigh at (818) 501-2275.

Most Viewed Articles