Suns' Marion to host charity poker benefit

Shawn Marion of the Phoenix Suns will host a charity poker tournament Jan. 30 filled with A-list sports and entertainment stars, as well as regular folks.

Poker amateurs and aficionados are invited to buy tickets for the exclusive Hearts & Helmets event for the chance to mingle with and play poker against members of the Suns and San Antonio Spurs, as well as Olympic decathlon gold medalist Dan O'Brien, Patrick Warburton (aka David Puddy from Seinfeld) and World Series MVP Jermaine Dye.

"This allows you to sit next to and hang out with stars," organizer Jeff Geller said. "If you've got a chip and a chair, you're in."

The event - which will be held at a private venue announced to participants before the tournament - will include silent and live auctions for such prizes as Suns/Spurs floor seats, a trip to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, a private jet vacation, celebrity dinners, autographed memorabilia, plasma TVs, tickets to the Super Bowl and invitations to additional exclusive events.

The $1,000-per-person ticket price will go to several charities, including Brad Pitt's Global Green USA Project for rebuilding New Orleans; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Fournier Center for Empowerment; Free Arts of Arizona; ICAN International Cancer Advocacy Network; Junior Achievement; the Jerome Bettis: Bus Stops Here Foundation; Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation; Suns Nite Hoops; and more.

News Added: 30 December, 2007

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