Shows & Tickets
Proceeds Benefit LA-Based Non-Profits Geffen Playhouse and Determined to Succeed
Presenting Sponsor Tropicana Las Vegas
LOS ANGELES, May 9, 2011— Actor and poker enthusiast Hank Azaria will have at least one full house on Saturday, May 21, 2011 when he hosts the third annual Playing For Good pokertournament at his home in Bel Air. The event, which is sponsored by Tropicana Las Vegas and supported by Los Angeles magazine, is a benefit for two LA-based non-profits: the Geffen Playhouse (specifically the theater’s award-winning education and outreach programs) and Determined to Succeed, a mentoring program for high-performing low socio-economic students. The deep stack, no limit no hold’em tournament will play down from 200 players to a single champion by the end of the day. The last man standing will receive a grand prize that includes a seat at the prestigious 2011 World Series of Poker tournament and a VIP weekend provided by Tropicana Las Vegas.
Last year, acclaimed director Nick Cassavetes claimed the first place, Poker Hall of Famer Mike Sexton took second, followed in third by Academy Award nominated Writer/Producer Grant Heslov. While poker may be the main attraction, there are plenty diversions players who bust early and non-playing guests. Azaria’s backyard will be transformed into a tranquil outdoor spa that will feature poolside cabanas and mini-facials provided by Fresh spa and dry manicures provided by SpaRitual. Massages will also be provided by Spa on Location.
Tanaz Assil Jewelry will be selling her beautiful jewelry with a percentage of the proceeds going back to the Geffen Playhouse and Determined to Succeed. Attendees will be kept well-fed by delicious fare donated by SugarFish and Ronen Levy Events. Drinks will be supplied by Krol Vodka, Malibu Family Wines, Eternal Water and Tropicana Las Vegas. Don’t worry about walking away empty handed because gift bags will be provided and there will be a silent auction featuring everything from a stay at the Hilton Moorea to a Simpsons dream package.
Registration begins at 11am and cards fly at noon sharp. Contestants can buy-in to the tournament for $1000, which includes access for one non-playing guest, gourmet meals, open bar, access to all spa services and a chance to win coveted prizes from luxury brands. Unlike any other tournament, the prizes are distributed “school yard style”, meaning the first place finisher gets to pick first, and then the rest of final two tables take their pick of prizes in the order of where they finished. All players at the final two tables will be treated to a weekend at the Tropicana Las Vegas that includes dinner for two and two tickets to a Tropicana show.
The full list of prizes includes:
ABOUT THE DETERMINED TO SUCCEEDDetermined to Succeed is a unique program dedicated to providing an exceptional group of low socio-economic students with comprehensive year-round support. The students are guided from the critical middle school years through high school and the college acceptance process. Our program tutors and mentors these students by empowering them with more confidence, stronger self-esteem, and a better education. For more information, please visit dtsla.org.
ABOUT THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSEThe Geffen Playhouse has been a hub of the Los Angeles theater scene since opening its doors in 1995. Noted for its intimacy and celebrated for its world-renowned mix of classic and contemporary plays, provocative new works and musicals, the Geffen Playhouse continues to present a body of work that has garnered national recognition. Named in honor of entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, who made the initial donation to the theater, the company is helmed by Producing Director and President of the Board Gilbert Cates, Artistic Director Randall Arney, Managing Director Ken Novice and Chairman of the Board Frank Mancuso. Proudly associated with UCLA, the Geffen Playhouse welcomes an audience of more than 130,000 each year, and maintains an extensive education and outreach program, designed to engage young people and the community at large in the arts. For more information, please visit geffenplayhouse.com.
