Celebrities including JLo’s ex Beau Casper Smart, ARod’s ex Torrie Wilson, Gilles Marini, Arianne Zucker, Larry King, Shawne Merriman, Chuck Liddell, Tommy Lasorda, and Tito Ortiz were on hand to support Heroes for Heroes: Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament & Casino Night Party. The annual event was supported by PokerStars Helping Hands at the Avalon in Hollywood.
For 45 years stars from TV, Film, Music and Sports along with community members have come together to show support for the men and women who protect and serve Los Angeles. On September 10, 2017 they joined together again to help raise funds for the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation at Avalon Hollywood.
HOLLYWOOD, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Actor Gilles Marini at the Heroes for Heroes: Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament at Avalon on September 10, 2017 in Hollywood, California.
Proceeds from this event benefitted LAPD employees and their immediate family members, who have experienced unforeseen catastrophic circumstances, including death, illness and injury. The Memorial Foundation is the cornerstone of the Los Angeles Police Departments employee wellness program and has granted over $17 million without any direct taxpayer money.
HOLLYWOOD, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: (L-R) Retired NHL Shawn Merriman, former UFC fighter Chuck Liddell, Baseball Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda (L) and MMA fighter Tito Ortiz at the Heroes for Heroes: Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament at Avalon on September 10, 2017 in Hollywood, California.
This year, the event also featured a surprise 90th Birthday celebration for one of the Foundation’s biggest supporters, baseball legend Tommy Lasorda. The surprise was led by media icon Larry King. The evening included red carpet arrivals, a celebrity poker tournament, casino games, great food, cocktails, music, photobooth, raffles and auctions. Along with dozens of unique and priceless entertainment & sports items in the auction, guests had the chance to win an LAPD airship ride, LAPD SWAT Training Day, Training at the Emergency Vehicle Operation Center to learn pursuit & pit maneuvers, dinner with Tommy Lasorda and more.
PokerStars Helping Hands, the charitable arm of PokerStars, (The Stars Group) the world’s largest online poker company has been the event’s biggest supporter since it began in 2013. “Without their support, we may not be able to hold this event that is right now the sole fundraiser to assist LAPD families in their time of need. We are grateful to PokerStars Helping Hands for the continual support”- Al Atkins, Executive Director.
PokerStars Helping Hands also donated the Grand Prize for the Celebrity Poker Tournament. The winner will head to the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure at the Atlantis Resort and Casino on Paradise Island in January 2018 for a chance to win huge cash prizes. This is one of the most prestigious poker events across the globe where in 2018 participants will have a chance to play with superstars Kevin Hart, Usain Bolt, DJ Zedd, Sergio Garcia and the top poker players in the world. “PokerStars is proud of our long-standing support for the LA Police Memorial Foundation and the support they provide for the men and women in blue who protect and serve their communities,” said Eric Hollreiser, Vice President of Corporate Communications for PokerStars and The Stars Group.