Returning the Favor and other Slices of Life

Returning the Favor
Returning the Favor
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Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Stop the Madness

No, really. I realized that those of you who read this through bloglines or some other source may actually have missed the info about the PokerStars Darfur charity tournament. Well, pay attention! Here's all the info. Sign up now!

PokerStars has teamed up with the cast and producer of this summer’s Hollywood blockbuster “Ocean’s Thirteen” to offer a truly unique set of tournament prizes. And, just by playing, you’ll be joining PokerStars in sending much-needed funds to relieve the suffering in the war-torn region of Darfur.

The four winners of the second “Oceans' Thirteen” Charity Tournament (see details of our first group of winners below) will receive a pair of tickets to the movie’s American premiere in Los Angeles June 5th, plus two night’s hotel accommodation and $2,000 for travel/expenses. The top 18 players will also receive a copy of the “Ocean’s Thirteen” DVD (available after its general release) signed by the stars. See full tournament details below.

In addition to providing our players with opportunities to help (see below!), PokerStars is donating $1 MILLION to the charity Not On Our Watch, as part of our continuing work toward social responsibility and giving back to the community.

The film's stars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Don Cheadle, plus producer Jerry Weintraub (pictured) - have together launched Not On Our Watch to focus international attention on the ongoing suffering in Darfur. The donation will be made at a special event on May 22nd, two days before the May 24th World Premiere held at the Cannes Film Festival.

Darfur – the western region of the Sudan, Africa – has been embroiled in a deadly conflict for over three years. At least 400,000 people have been killed and more than 3.5 million men, women, and children are completely reliant on international aid for survival.

If you want to donate direct to the charity it couldn’t be easier. To transfer funds simply go to the main lobby, then to Requests, and drop down to Transfer Funds. Type in the User ID NOOW and the amount you wish to donate. The funds will then be taken from your account and credited to the charity. All money will go directly to the charity and PokerStars will match all funds donated!

NOTICE: Any money contributed to Not On Our Watch through PokerStars may not be considered a tax-deductible donation in some jurisdictions.

Ocean's 13 Cast

Last weekend, four PokerStars players won trips to the premiere in Cannes, France. On May 24th, PokerStars’ players JaspudUF, SM4RTASS, herbert, and berchem13 will all be on the red carpet.

PokerStars will also host a third charity tournament (date to be confirmed). The winner of this event will receive a professional poker table baize, signed by the film’s stars. If that doesn’t impress your friends at your Friday night cash game, nothing will!

We hope you will join PokerStars and the cast and producer of “Ocean's Thirteen” in helping such a worthwhile cause.

To find the tournaments, go to the lobby, click Tourney and then Special.

Click here to view the tournament terms

Overview of the “Ocean's Thirteen Darfur Charity Tournament”

These tournaments are special re-buy tournaments - the entire prize pool will be matched by PokerStars and donated to the Darfur relief efforts. At the conclusion of the event the prize pool, which will be temporarily awarded to the 1st place finisher, will be removed from the 1st place finisher’s account.

The amount will then be matched by PokerStars and sent forward to the Darfur charity. Thank you for participating - go re-buy crazy! – it’s for a good cause. Good luck!

Date: May 27th 2007, 15:30 ET
Buy-in: $10 plus rebuys.
Prizes: Top 4 receive tickets to June 5th premiere in Los Angeles plus 2 night’s hotel and $2k for travel/spending.
Top 18 receive autographed copy of “Oceans 13” DVD.
Total prize pool will go to charity and PokerStars will match the donation.
The tournament is open to all players. Good luck!

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