Fossilman plays for hearts in Alabama

Greg Raymer is giving his name to charity by competing in the Tuscaloosa, Ala., annual poker showdown to benefit the American Heart Association.

A local pub is hosting the event tonight at 7 p.m. and organizers are expecting a crowd of about 200 players. All prizes are donated from local vendors, so all money raised - a projected $15,000 - will go to charity.

Raymer, the quirky pro known almost as well for his Fossilman nickname and holographic sunglasses as he is for being the 2004 World Series of Poker champion, committed to the event after meeting its organizer.

Tournament coordinator Bryne Wilson met Raymer after winning a seat at a cruise ship poker tournament the pro hosted. After sitting with Raymer at dinner each night and telling him about the charity event, Wilson said the Fossilman was happy to be involved.

The annual event, he said, should be another successful tournament.

"Buffalo Rock has a long history of charitable giving and has always partnered with the American Heart Association to raise money," Wilson told the Tuscaloosa News. "The poker tournament was an instant hit. This will be our third one, and it's just been an event that everyone looks forward to every year."

courtesy of Erin Warner

News Added: 21 February, 2007

Number of views : 874