WPT to host charity tournament in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, California -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- World Poker Tour® (WPT) and non-profit organization Chrysalis have teamed up to roll out the red carpet on Saturday, February 20 at Commerce Casino for the most glamorous event on the poker scene: the 8th Annual WPT Invitational. Every year, the exclusive invite-only event gives Hollywood stars a chance to put their best poker faces forward against the game's top pros and compete in a three-day tournament for charity, cash prizes and a place in poker history.

Red carpet arrivals and an exclusive cocktail party will kick off the action, giving invited guests the chance to mingle with their favorite stars or brush up their poker skills with WPT Boot Camp tutorial. "Shuffle Up and Deal" will immediately follow when approximately 500 participants will take their seat in the battle for a piece of the $200,000 prize pool—including a $25,500 seat to the WPT World Championship in April—donated by Commerce Casino. Every participant will have the opportunity during the first two hours of play to do a one-time $200 "re-buy" to receive an extra $10,000 in chips and get back in the game. One hundred percent of the re-buy proceeds will benefit Chrysalis, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged and homeless individuals become self-sufficient through employment opportunities. Additionally, WPT has made tickets available to Chrysalis to help boost critical fundraising support. Starting today, there will be a limited time auction. For all the details and a link to the auction, visit www.changelives.org/poker.

"It's great when so much fun can also have such a positive impact," said Mark Loranger, CEO of Chrysalis. "The funds raised at this event will allow us to help thousands of men and women suffering from poverty and homelessness in Los Angeles gain employment, earn a paycheck and get their lives back on track."

"Every year WPT partners with a different charity for the Invitational to bring light to a variety of issues and the organizations that are hard at work to make a difference," said Adam Pliska, WPT President. "We've found an incredible partner this year in Chrysalis and look forward to bringing more recognition and support to such an important cause through this fun, high profile event."

Reaching its eighth year on the WPT tournament circuit, the Invitational has become a highly popular event among celebrities and poker pros alike. Ray Romano, Jason Alexander , Jon Hamm, Ricki Lake, Don Cheadle, Brad Garrett, Mena Suvari, Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Camryn Manheim, Paris Hilton and Michael Vartan and are just a few of the celebrities who have tried their hand against legendary pros like Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Gus Hansen, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson and Jennifer Harman.

"This tournament has continued to grow and evolve over eight years, and this year will be even bigger and better than ever," said John Griffo, Commerce Casino Director of Poker Operations. "We have added 100 additional Invitational seats for play and the first 100 players to buy in to the LAPC main event will receive entry into this invite-only tournament. Additionally, Tournament Director Matt Savage has built an incredible schedule around the event, featuring a $10,000 Heads Up event, a $25,000 tournament and the WPT LAPC Main Event, making for a truly exciting and unparalleled week of poker."

Players who survive the first day will resume play at 1 p.m. on February 21. The last six players remaining will return March 3 to compete for the $200,000 prize pool, donated by Commerce Casino. The winner will take home the $100,000 first place prize, which includes a $25,500 seat in the WPT World Championship.

The Final Table is played on the WPT stage and recorded for broadcast on Fox Sports Net (FSN). The episode will air on FSN in May 2010. Check your local listing for dates and times as programming is subject to change.