As I continue giving away money on Aced.com-which I’m more than happy to do-the principles at Aced are in the process of setting up my public tables where I will always have a reserved seat. However, as I mentioned last week, the only way you will be able to play with me is by signing up directly through Aced.com. Last week for a 33 dollar buy in one player knocked me out and got the 1000 dollar bounty on me, and another knocked out my mom and got 250 dollars. I was playing from the Oscar party which was kind of interesting, but made it go much faster for me as the Oscars tend to go a little long. Before, you could play with me via the Merge Network but within a week that ability will no longer be available. Table stakes will range from $1 to $100,000 so I will be able to play with everyone. I have been playing at all levels, in sit-n-go’s, tourneys, and having a great time. The features are very cool and make it more fun than usual. I think we are going to put a straddle feature on next month, it’s just getting better and better.

I was planning on having the LAPC at the Commerce Casino be my first major event with Aced.com but an opportunity came up to join Daphna Ziman and the team that put together the after-party for the Oscars at the Beverly Hilton benefiting CUN (Children Uniting Nations), a hugely successful foster care organization that has raised tens of millions in support of an incredible cause. Amazingly, less than 50% of American children are graduating high school these days and one of CUN’s programs-utilizing trained mentors- increases that percentage by a staggering margin, to over 95%. If you figure that 87% of America’s incarcerated have come from the welfare system, this program will have an enormous direct impact on society by not only lowering the crime rate but by presenting those less fortunate with options they previously would never have enjoyed. Jennifer Aniston, Nancy Pelosi, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Pierce Brosnan and the Black Eyed Peas are just some of the hundreds of celebrities, icons and influencers that support this cause.

When it comes to charity, you can donate your time or you can donate your money and I think it’s really important that every one of us do either one or the other. That said I was truly happy to help them put on a last minute poker tournament in conjunction with their event and it seems like we were able to pull it off in high style.

Of course, I wasn’t alone in my charitable efforts-some friends from the poker world also supported the cause.

Lisa Wheeler, the guru of poker marketing and an awesome human being, came though in an unbelievable way by bringing us her wealth of experience and contacts including Matt Savage, former WSOP tournament director, current LAPC tournament director and founder of the Tournament Director’s Association. Matt not only did an incredible job at the event-he even went so far as to shut down the LAPC by 8:30 PM so any and all that wanted to support us could make it. And make it, they did-some of the poker world’s biggest stars took part, including: Phil Hellmuth, David Williams, Chris “Jesus” Ferguson, David “Chino” Rheem, Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, Ali Nejad, and Layne Flack.

Former super-model and absolute sweetheart Amber Smith from VH1′s “Sober House” not only took part but actually finished 3rd-and it was her first time playing! She knocked me out, Chris Ferguson, Layne, and I think Phil, or at least crippled him if I am not mistaken. My good friend Kasey Thompson made a last longer bet on her behalf against Phil Hellmuth, and so he went home very happy. Phil and all the guys were most generous with their time, made it fun for all their fans and participants, and I can’t thank them enough! Our poker community has always supported each other and I think it’s a very special thing that doesn’t always exist in business communities.

Although he didn’t play, Oscar-winning actor Martin Landau-with innumerable film roles to his credit including the kind-hearted judge who saved Mike McD’s bacon (played by Matt Damon) in Rounders-dropped by to say hello, one of many Hollywood heavyweights in attendance. How cool to have an Oscar winner from the movie that sparked my epiphany leading me to where I am now…

The tournament’s winner received an incredible WSOP package, including the $10,000 WSOP main event buy-in, airfare and hotel accommodations, and private coaching from me prior to the event, all courtesy of Aced.com. Jeffrey Pollack and the World Series of Poker were supportive of our last minute endeavor and we thank them for that as well.

Second prize was no slouch, either-a $10,000 diamond ring donated by my friend and fellow philanthropist Dan that owns Who’s Your Daddy Energy Drinks. This went to Kelly Griggs who flew down from San Francisco at the last minute to lend a helping hand.

The post-Oscars CUN event was the first test of my new relationship with Aced.com, as it forced me to choose between playing in an event that is very important to them and participating in an extremely worthy charitable endeavor. As it turned out, Houston, Xander and Brandon at Aced not only championed my decision, they supported it financially, physically with tireless efforts and even donated my buy-in by supplying the event’s top prize.

I should mention, no one involved with putting on the tourney was paid for their services-volunteer efforts all around-and the continued efforts by the poker community to give back, even in this troubling economy, is really heartwarming. I have been very careful never to accept money when donating my time, but don’t expect others to be able do the same. It’s amazing to be a part of it. Special thanks to Steve Thomson and his company, Creative Developers, without whom this never would have come together. Juliette Harris at It Girl Public relations was an incredible powerhouse coming through at every turn with tireless round the clock “make it happen with class” attitude. Daphna Ziman has a beautiful spirit and should be applauded for her efforts.

I’m really looking forward to next year’s pre-Oscars charity poker tournament; the night before the Oscars, open to the public, this way everyone will be able to attend. We’ve already started on the arrangements and with a whole year to put it together I’m certain it will be the place to be in Hollywood prior to awards night.
Next on the calendar is WPT’s invitational this weekend and then NBC’s heads up tourney which is always a lot of fun. I hope you get to come play with me on Aced and have as much fun as I am having, without having to play against the best players in the world

Until next week…