Poker is one of those things that has permeated popular culture; yet the idea of playing in a poker tournament remains intimidating to beginners or those who might never have played, at all.  So, the friendly fundraising folks at Keep Memory Alive had an idea – and allow me to add that it’s a good one, and promises fun for all involved.

Next Friday, September 21st, you’re invited to “Go All-In for Memories” at the Keep Memory Alive Charity Poker Tournament.  Held in the spectacular Frank Gehry-designed Keep Memory Alive Event Center, in Downtown Las Vegas’ Symphony Park, where (following registration) the evening will begin with poker lessons given by tournament directors, Adam Altwies and John Niezanski.  Then, at 6:30pm, the tournament begins. 

Hosted by legendary casino operator, Jack Binion – who at the age of 26 became president of Binion’s Horseshoe (owned by his father, Benny Binion), and seven years later, hosted the first World Series of Poker; before going on to start Horseshoe Gaming and the World Poker Open – players of all skill levels will sit down, alongside such renowned poker players as Binion’s fellow Poker Hall of Fame inductees, Doyle Brunson (two-time winner of the Championship Event at the World Series of Poker; and winner of ten WSoP bracelets), Daniel Negreanu (winner of six WSoP bracelets), and Jack McClelland (longtime tournament director for both the WSoP and World Poker Tour); as well as CardPlayer Media honcho Barry Shulman (winner of two WSoP bracelets, and author), and television personality Jon Taffer (host/co-executive producer, Bar Rescue on Paramount Network – formerly Spike TV).

In addition to the $10,000 for the winner, other prizes include a once-in-a-lifetime three-day/two night Napa Valley Winery Trip for four (4), to the second place finisher; and for third place, a bottle of The Macallan Fine Oak Triple Cask Matured 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey (Speyside – Highlands, Scotland), with a pair of Reidel snifters in which to enjoy it, and dinner for four (4) the iconic Golden Steer Steakhouse.  Furthermore, a special prize will be given to everyone who makes the Final Table.

And if poker isn’t your jam, the Roulette Wheel will be spinning, with winners receiving prizes ranging from Monster headphones to baskets filled with premium hair-care packages.  Additionally, there will be a silent auction filled with the luxurious mix of items you’ve come to expect from Keep Memory Alive, including fine jewelry, top-shelf entertainment, art, and dining experiences.

Meanwhile, in addition to music curated by yours-truly, there will be copious amounts of delicious food, courtesy of CliQue Hospitality’s Borracha Mexican Cantina, Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca, and Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar.  And as far as getting your sip-on goes, there will be ultra-premium tequila from small-batch luxury producer, Casa Dragones (a favorite of Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, Quincy Jones, and Chef Scott Conant); as well as the smooth, sun-kissed Kimo Sabe Mezcal that’s won so many awards, these past two years.  And for those of you who don’t care for products of the agave, you can count on Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits to have whatever libation, vintage, or soft drink you require, to keep your spirits high.

The entry fee (aka: buy-in) is $500; while non-playing guests need only pay $100.  Furthermore, ten (10) players entering together can avail themselves of a special group buy-in of $3,500.

So, buy your tickets, come down to the KMA Events Center, and “Go All-in for Memories” – you’ll have a blast!

Keep Memory Alive Charity Poker Tournament
Keep Memory Alive Event Center
Friday, September 21st | 5:30pm
Click HERE for tickets and info

Get into it!
#KMAPoker

[Editor’s Note: Keep Memory Alive is the fundraising arm of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, and its mission to research, manage, and treat brain disorders – including Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases; as well as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) – while recognizing the effects these afflictions have, not only on the patients, but also on the caregivers who tend to them.]