Look To The Stars News: Jamie Gold

Edward Norton To Hit The Charity Poker Table At Cannes

Mon, 04 May 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Actor Edward Norton will join poker champion Jamie Gold at a charity poker tournament at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17.

The event will take place at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes, and will benfit both the Wilhelm & Karl Maybach Foundation and the Sunflower Children Foundation. The evening will feature an auction that includes a wide selection of items, including a day with music conductor, record producer and trumpeter Quincy Jones.

The following day – at the same venue – the Maybach Foundation will hold its third annual luncheon to honor a legend of the entertainment industry whose work demonstrates a commitment to giving back to society through mentoring. In prior years the Maybach Foundation honored Quincy Jones and Dennis Hopper. Founder Ulrich Schmid-Maybach will introduce the Foundation’s newest projects as a celebration of our philanthropic work to move extraordinarily talented young leaders from success to significance. Visit the informational and entertainment tables, sample culinary delights, drink from the premium open bar, and enjoy a wonderful afternoon on the waterfront terrace.

The Maybach Foundation is an organization that invests in the select few who have the skill, the potential and the vision to help the many. For a select few protégés from across the globe who face adversity in realizing their true potential, we provide mentorships with leaders in their discipline, meaningful stipends, leadership training, and exclusive introductions to the very decision-makers who can open doors for them worldwide.

The Sunflower Children Foundation believes that education is the key to a better life for disadvantaged children. It focuses on providing vital support – including healthcare, nutritional and other basic needs – that enables children in Sunflower Project communities to pursue educational growth.

To find out more about this poker event, visit the Maybach Foundation website.

Kim Kardashian Hosts Charity Poker In The Playboy Mansion

Fri, 01 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

On Saturday, July 11, the Playboy Mansion and the Kardashians will host the ‘Aces & Angels Celebrity Poker Tournament’ to benefit Aces and Angels, an organization which raises money for families of Southern California firefighters who were either injured or killed in the line of duty.

Kim Kardashian will host the event alongside sisters Khloe and Kourtney, and their mother Kris, as dozens of Playboy bunnies, playmates, top models, Hollywood celebrities, and the poker stars attend the highly anticipated event being held at the Playboy Mansion.

The event, which is being emceed by 11-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth, has already received RSVP’s from: Nicole Richie, Jayde Nicole (2008 Playmate of the Year), Sara Jean Underwood (2007 Playmate of the Year), the Ikki twins (featured in Playboy and MTV’s Double Shot at Love), actress Shannon Elizabeth, recording artist Ryan Cabrera, Jerri Manthey (of Survivor and Playboy fame), retired baseball player Jose Canseco, and poker professionals Jamie Gold, Annie Duke, Greg Raymer, Nenad Medic, Isabelle Mercier, Marcel Luske, Gavin Smith, David Williams and Steve Dannenmann.

Ticket prices for the event range from $1,000 to $3,500, but even the most basic package includes access to the Playboy Mansion grounds, pool area, and grotto, along with a gourmet dinner and an unlimited amount of premium liquor. More than $50,000 in prizes will be distributed at the poker tournament, with a grand prize of ‘the ultimate Vegas fantasy giveaway’ which includes a four-day, three-night stay in a high-roller suite in Vegas, a VIP foursome at a Golf Gone Wild golf tournament (featuring 150 nude body-painted models), a helicopter tour of the Vegas Strip and the Grand Canyon, a skydiving trip, and more.

For more information please visit Aces-Angels.org.

Jennifer Harman Returns For Third SPCA Poker Tournament

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

The third annual Jennifer Harman Charity Poker Tournament benefiting the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) no-kill animal shelter and sanctuary will be held at The Venetian Poker Room on Friday, April 17, in Las Vegas.

The highly anticipated event raised more than $130,00 last year and awarded the winning participant a seat in the World Series of Poker. Prizes this year also give the winner a seat at the WSOP, and each player will receive a generous gift bag courtesy of the Nevada SPCA and its sponsors. Silent auction items will feature autographed sports and poker memorabilia.

Poker celebrities who have participated in the past include: Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Johnny Chan, Howard Lederer, Phil Hellmuth, Jamie Gold, Hoyt Corkins, Amarillo “Slim” Preston, Freddy Deeb, Evelyn Ng, Antonio Esfandiari, Joe Hachem, Barry Greenstein, Layne “Back to Back” Flack, Chau Giang, Chris Ferguson, David Chesnoff, David Williams, Huckleberry Seed, Jennifer Leigh, Scotty Nguyen, Dan Fleishman, Men Nguyen and many others.

“I can’t thank The Venetian and my friends enough for the flood of support they’ve shown the Nevada SPCA,” said Harman at last year’s event. “These animals give unconditional love. This is a chance for all of us to give something back.”

The red carpet walk begins at 4 p.m. The poker tournament starts at 5 p.m. and is open to the public. Registration opens on Thursday, April 16 at 12 p.m. Registration will close at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 17.

For additional information, tournament structure, prizes, contacts, or to view past event photo galleries and videos visit www.jenniferharmancpt.com.

The Jennifer Harman Charity Poker Tournament is a GreasieWheels production

Jason Alexander To Host Charity Poker

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Jason Alexander will be hosting a Texas Hold-Em Poker Tournement on May 9 at the Hollywood Park Casino with proceeds going to charity.

Alexander will be joined by celebrities and Dianna Donofrio-Trigatzi (Celebrity Guest Tournament Director and Nevada State Director of the Poker Players Alliance), and Special Honoree, Leyna Nguyen (KCBS/KCAL Anchor), and poker stars such as Greg Raymer, Jamie Gold, and Chip Jett.

Cards hit the felt at 2:00 PM on May 9, with each hand representing a strong step towards ending domestic violence and helping youth who have been abused and abandoned. All proceeds from this tournament will go towards benefiting 1736 Family Crisis Center, Los Angeles’ largest domestic violence agency for the last 36 years.

Spectators are welcome to watch as celebrities and poker stars compete for prizes such as cash, an ECO friendly poker table valued at $5,000.00, donated by Eric Hansel, founder of EGM Green. And poker star Annie Duke, currently seen on Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice,” has also donated a WSOP Boot Camp Package as one of the prizes.

1736 Family Crisis Center operates 5 shelters throughout Los Angeles County, including 4 domestic violence shelters and one emergency youth shelter. Through the Center’s shelters, three outpatient clinics, five 24-hour emergency response stations and educational/outreach services, over 25,000 abuse victims and their children were helped in 2008. The most severe cases were taken in 1736 Family Crisis Center’s care. The Center relies 100% on grants and donations to provide much-needed services to victims of abuse and abandoned youth. These victims do not pay a penny for any of the services they receive for up to 2 years. In this uncertain economic climate, the nonprofits have been hit the hardest, and sadly, an unstable economy statistically fuels domestic violence.

Please help us by joining in to play poker with Jason and his friends, as we become part of the solution to end domestic violence.

Tournament tickets and donates available through the website.

Jamie Gold Helps Children Unite Nations

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Fresh off the heels of inking one of the most lucrative online endorsement deals in history, poker star Jamie Gold isn’t thinking about the cash, but the kids. The 2006 World Series of Poker champion opted out of the prestigious L.A. Poker Classic this year so he could host a fundraiser for the kids.

“Some things are more important,” said Gold. “These kids need our help.”

The kids Gold speaks of are the ones of Children Uniting Nations, a non-profit organization that provides mentoring to at-risk and foster children. Gold held his fundraiser tournament on Oscar night, and was joined by a slew of celebrities including the Black Eyed Peas. The tournament, which was also being held as a part of the Hollywood Reporter/Children Uniting Nations Gala, was a black-tie extravaganza, which featured presentations to those who’ve been supportive of Children Uniting Nations, and Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass.

Prior to the event, Gold spoke to CardPlayer.com about his involvement: "My whole life in the past was in Hollywood. I used to be an agent for 20 years, and so this was a great way for me to reconnect with all of my old friends and host the first time that poker has ever been connected to the Oscars.

“Children Uniting Nations is a mentorship program…through mentor programs, 95 percent graduate high school, and 87 percent of people who are incarcerated are coming from the welfare system. So, it means that most of our criminals did not choose to be there. They had no mentors, they had no parents, they had no guidance, they had no shot, and you or I or anybody could have been out on the street. And what do you do if you can’t eat? You might turn to drugs or crime; it could happen to any of us…this program is amazing; they’re lobbying congress successfully, and they are also donating a ton of money to foster children.

“I’m so proud to be a part of this, and so when the guys from Aced said they would donate all of this money, then I thought, let’s make this really special, I’ll donate a buy-in to the World Series. I’ll fly them out, I’ll put them up, and I’ll coach them. I don’t think anybody’s ever done that before; I’ll coach the winner through the World Series so they have the best shot at winning. I may not be the best player in the world, but I can definitely help them more than they can help themselves.”

As promised, the winner received a prize package that included a $10,000
WSOP main event seat, a dinner and coaching from Gold and private accommodations at Gold’s mansion. The prize package was sponsored by Aced.com – the upstart online poker site that announced the signing of Gold to a lucrative endorsement deal.

Black Eyed Peas Honored At Charity Oscar Event

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Charity organization Children Uniting Nations (C.U.N.) celebrated their 10th anniversary viewing of the Academy Awards at the Beverly Hilton on Sunday, February 22nd.

The night was jam packed with celebrities who united in support of foster children across the nation. The event was presented by The Hollywood Reporter, Swaggmedia.com and 93.5FM The Beat radio station, which was broadcasting live all night long.

The red carpet shined with celebrity attendees including Lauren Conrad, DJ AM, Taboo (from The Black Eyed Peas), Billy Baldwin, Lil’ Mama, Jane Seymour, Oscar Nunez, and more, all dressed in their Oscar best. The night included high energy performances form the Jabbawockeez, Colby O’Donis, Teairra Mari, Doug E. Fresh, Spinderella, Sophie B. Hawkins and the music stylings of DJ AM.

It was a night for everyone including actors, musicians, politicians, philanthropists and even world famous poker players. Jamie Gold, Winner of the World Series of Poker, donated his time and talent after forfeiting the chance to win $7 million in the LA Classic, to raise money and awareness for the charity by organizing a celebrity poker tournament and an incredible prize package that included a seat in the next World Series of Poker and provided coaching by Gold.

Founder Daphna Ziman commented on the evening, “It was amazing to me how much support we were given this year from celebrities, performers and attendees that genuinely want to help our children in need. I am so very thankful of all those who support Children Uniting Nations and the children we serve.”

C.U.N. also recognized their own award winners on Academy night, focusing on those who have given their time to work within the community. The Spirit of Life Award was presented to The Black Eyed Peas while other special honorees include Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass and philanthropist Cathleen Shera for their work in the community.

Swaggmedia.com streamed the night and its performers live on the internet while 93.5FM The Beat broadcasted their show live with interviews and highlights of the night.

Poker Philanthropist Agrees To Sponsorship Deal

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

2006 World Series of Poker champion Jamie Gold has signed the industry’s most lucrative multi-year contract in history with upstart poker brand Aced.com.

“We’ve been careful and patient in waiting for the right deal,” stated Gold’s agent Sean Fredericks, adding that his client turned down several endorsement offers over the past two years while waiting for one that shared his dedication to charitable giving.

“I’m really proud of the example we, as a poker community, are setting,” said Gold, “Professional poker players, celebrities, athletes, and captains of industry have worked tirelessly and participated honorably in support of charitable gaming events to impact important world causes. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to give back. But it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Aced and I plan to leave our mark, not just on poker, but on the world, making it a better place for future generations.”

Since his 2006 WSOP victory, Gold’s been campaigning for a number of various causes, helping to raise more than $110,000,000 for charities including the MDA/ALS Division, The Sunflower Organization, Montel Williams MS Foundation, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

“We are extremely excited to have Jamie on board” said Aced poker room manager Brandon Berndt, “Not only because of his obvious value as an ambassador for us within the poker world, but for the unparalleled enthusiasm, insight, and creativity he brings to the ongoing development of our brand. He could have chosen so many other sites, but we share his values and vision. He is worth every penny — or billion pennies.”

Exact terms of Golds’ deal with Aced.com are under seal, but sources familiar with the deal suggest that Gold stands to earn eight figures or more. Aced.com will also fund Gold’s participation in major USA, European, and Asian events. “I am not at liberty to disclose details of the arrangement,” commented Gold’s attorney Les Abell. “However, I can say that this contract is valued at more than any deal I’ve ever heard of.”

For more insight into the charitable mind of Jamie Gold, he penned a great article about his initial involvement with charity and being inspired by Michael J. Fox in Bluff Magazine in 2006. In part, Gold wrote:

“I have a new hero, not to replace my others, but one who has already motivated me to be a better person. For years, I have been aware of the fight to cure Parkinson’s disease. I have been intimately aware of the issues facing those who have PD, but had yet to get involved in the cause. I heard about a Hollywood poker event for PD and I just had to be a part of it. The more research I did about the organization behind the event, the more impressed I became. Then I attended the event and was blown away. From an opening speech to tireless involvement throughout the evening, the force leading this charge was truly inspiring. His name is Michael J. Fox.”

Montel Williams Steadfast In Battle Against MS

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Earlier this month, Montel Williams took over the Golden Nuggets’ newly renovated pavilion in Las Vegas to host his charity poker tournament to benefit the Montel Williams MS Foundation.

60 players donated $1,080 each to play the charity event, including noted poker professionals Jennifer Tilly, Phil Laak, Jamie Gold, Marsha Waggoner and Robert Williamson III. John Colville, Poker Operations Manager, also presented a generous donation of $25,000 to the MS Foundation.

The Montel Williams MS Foundation directs its research towards new treatments and ways to make them available to everyone. Montel said, “I’m going to keep on having these fundraisers until a cure is found. Technology is advancing and so are the treatments. One day a cure is going to happen!”

Montel went public about his MS eight years ago, and since then has been approached by countless people that have been afflicted with the disease. We don’t always get to meet those who benefit from various foundations and their research, but one person who has benefited from the support of the MS Foundation is William Nystrom, a triathlete from Northern California.

Nystrom was diagnosed with MS when he was 27 and was featured in the MS Foundation’s newsletter.

“Montel is truly a leader and role model when it comes to raising MS awareness,” said Nystrom. “I was really proud to have been included. The foundation advocates an active lifestyle: snow boarding, swimming, running, walking…actually any and all physical exercise. Every year they hold an annual bike-riding event to raise money, but because I live on the west coast and not in NYC anymore, it’s really tough for me to participate in them.”

Nystrom may very well be the ideal poster child for the MS Foundation, while calling him inspirational may be the understatement of the year. On June 8, Nystrom won the Escape for Alcatraz Triathlon in his division. It took him 3- hours, 2-minutes and 24 seconds to complete the 1.5-mile swim, 18-mile bike ride and 8-mile run, which placed him 637th overall out of over 2,000 competitors.

“Winning ranks pretty high up there among my accomplishments,” said Nystrom, who also won the Pacific Grove Triathlon last year. “Being able to compete is infectious. There’s a sense of excitement I can’t explain.”

Look To The Stars News: Jamie Gold

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