“Raising the Stakes” Celebrity Poker Tournament with Cheryl Hines and Montel Williams
It was a star-studded affair at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, as the One Step Closer Foundation presented the “Raising the Stakes” Celebrity Poker Tournament to raise funds for people with Cerebral Palsy (CP) (Photo credit: Jim Smith).
Champ Joe Cada
Photo credit: Jim Smith.
The fun-filled charity event kicked off with a red carpet event at 1 p.m. Stars walked the carpet, chatted with media and posed for pics and selfies with excited fans before battling it out in a game of Texas Hold ‘Em.
Montel Williams
Photo credit: Jim Smith.
Co-hosted by Cheryl Hines and Montel Williams, tournament play began at 2 p.m. with over 110 participants going all in including Jennifer Tilly, Mekhi Phifer, Dennis Haskins, Ryan Beckett, Omar Gooding, Lawyer Milloy, Chyna, Kara Monaco, Jennifer Braff, Alicia Webb (WWE Ryan Shamrock), Shawn Davari, Adam Archuleta, Jennifer Archuleta, Stacy Fuson, Erik Aude, Erin O’Brien, Josh Emerson, Miko Hughes, Pilar Lastra, Dennis McCoy, poker pro Noah Schwartz, former WSOP Main Event Champions Jamie Gold and Joe Cada, MMA fighters Jay Hieron, Phil Baroni and Heath Herring and TNA pro wrestler Kenny King.
Cheryl Hines
Photo credit: Jim Smith.
Poker players of all levels and the stars battled it out all afternoon, including Mekhi Phifer, Kara Monaco and poker pro Joe Cada who went on to capture seats at the Final Table. But in the end, it was Cada who snagged the title and the $10,000 cash prize. As the event was for charity, Cada graciously donated a significant portion of his winning back to the foundation. Chris Penfield of Fairfield, CA placed second, taking home $5,000.
Phil Baroni
Photo credit: Jim Smith.
Jennifer Tilly
Photo credit: Jim Smith.
Phil Baroni and Jay Hieron on red carpet
Photo credit: Jim Smith.
Omar Gooding
Photo credit: Jim Smith.
Results from the Final Table.
- *Joe Cada; $10,000
- Chris Penfield – Fairfield, CA; $5,000
- Sam Simmons – Las Vegas, NV; $2,500
- Steve Potashnick – San Diego, CA; Jimmy Kimmel VIP Meet & Greet Package
- Ben Hamnett – Pittsburg, PI; Dinner with Playmates
- *Mekhi Phifer; 2-night Luxurious Vegas Hotel Package
- *Kara Monaco; Vegas Show Package
- Danny Noam – Scottsdale, AZ; Overnight Luxurious Vegas Hotel package
- Mitch Tyra – Shreveport, LABoyz II Men VIP Meet & Greet Package
- Scott Miroff – Reno NV; Cut & Shave Comedy Show Package*Indicates celebrities
The “Raising The Stakes” for CP Celebrity Poker Tournament raised over $40,000 for people with CP and their families.