Andrew Keegan and Melissa Joan Hart ready to rumble...
Celebrities and poker fans alike came out to Avalon Hollywood in support of homeless youth in our community Monday night, as the Bicycle Casino presented the Hold ‘Em for the Homeless celebrity poker tournament, benefiting the Malibu House of Hope and produced by In 2 It Media.
Michael Gladis and Richard Sommer, of AMC’s critically acclaimed hit “Mad Menâ€, joined the Malibu House of Hope poker aficionados to battle it out with Melissa Melissa Joan Hart (“Dancing with the Starsâ€), Lonni Paul (HGTV’s “Design Starâ€), Samm Levine (“Inglorious Basterdsâ€), Paul Johansson (“One Tree Hillâ€), Kunal Nayyar (“The Big Bang Theoryâ€), Tiffany Michelle (“The Amazing Raceâ€), Jennifer Elise Cox (“The Brady Bunch Movieâ€), Andrew Keegan (“7th Heavenâ€), Josh Gad (“The Rockerâ€), Shaun Sipos (“Melrose Placeâ€), Edwin Hodge (“Red Dawnâ€), Shaun Toub (“The Last Airbenderâ€), Yancey Arias (“Knight Riderâ€), Godsmack’s lead singer Sully Erna and professional poker players Marla Schwartz and Ali Nejad.
Paul Johansson
Mo Fathi of the Bicycle Casino made sure that the competition was fierce and the prizes were grand.
Fourth place finisher Evan Taubenfield (new album out May 18th on Warner Bros. Records) won two gift baskets filled with exclusive spa, beauty, and luxury products.
Evan Taubenfeld wins big.
Second place finisher Esteban Powell (“The Cleanerâ€) won a rare Hardcore timepiece, presented to him by the designer and CEO of Hardcore Watches, Steve Soffa.
The big winner on Monday, however, was Malibu House of Hope supporter Doug Colliuo, earning the grand prize of a seat at the 2011 World Poker Tour Celebrity Invitational, valued at over $25,000 and donated by Commerce Casino.
Avalon Hollywood’s Executive Chef Carl Coulam’s prepared a spread that was absolutely to-die-for, featuring: pear and goat cheese crostini, creamy four cheese macaroni cups with truffle oil, pigs in a blanket with spicy mustard, and a delicious dessert bar stocked with homemade chocolate cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, and sweet lemon bars.
Zino Platinum Cigars presented a cigar lounge and guests shopped for the cause, snagging Judith Ripka’s Jewelry, Prep Couture’s leather collection, and Steve Soffa’s Hardcore Watches.
Reality Cares TV held down the red carpet, interviewing celebrity guests about their commitment to helping the homeless.
Vincent Salazar, Executive Director of the Malibu House of Hope and Melinda Crown-Faeber, Project Coordinator, spoke candidly about the pressing need to help kids get off the streets.
Three street poets, all former homeless youth, moved the crowd with raw and honest slam poetry, giving a glimpse into a teen’s life on the streets. Additionally, the Malibu House of Hope screened a short documentary on street life, and the importance of getting a second chance.
The touching documentary opened guests’ hearts and wallets as the live auction that followed brought in generous bids on items such as a UFC 114 ticket package, a Waterford Crystal Martini Party, and a Chef Aaron Perez dinner Party.
In addition to poker, guests enjoyed blackjack and craps with Kiowa Gordon (“Twilightâ€), Eduardo Xol (ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Editionâ€), tennis star Vince Spadea, Brandi Milloy (Oprah’s “Big Giveâ€) and Cory Brusseau. Away from the tables, celebs had a blast with partygoers, dancing the night away to an amazing set by DJ Dre Sinatra.
Guests also showed their support by participating in the Malibu House of Hope’s charity raffle. Over 50 amazing luxury and memorabilia items were won, including: signed memorabilia from actor Sean Astin, signed scrubs from the hit TV show “Grey’s Anatomy†donated by star Gloria Garayua, Samm Levine’s jacket from “Inglorious Basterds†which was presented to him by director Quentin Tarantino and tickets to The Galaxy’s soccer games.
Raffle winners also took home signed movie posters from the cast & directors of “The Blind Side†and “The Book of Eli†with VIP tickets to Alcon Entertainment’s premiere of their new movie “The Lottery Ticketâ€, a year’s supply of Naturally Savvy’s favorite organic and natural brands; (Ascenta, Knudsen, BioK, San-J and Hero Nutritionals), all of which are also generously being donated to the children at the first Malibu House of Hope home, a gorgeous pair of Judith Ripka earrings and much more donated by Alan Friedman, Bodice Lingerie Studio, David Ellis Chrysler Jeep, Chris Dellorco, Diana Nava / On Cuban Time, Sharon Gregory- IT Works!, Hair Sanctuary, Garth Fisher M.D. F.A.C.S., Heiress Skin, Wax and Hair Boutique, Illuminari Aesthetics Medical Associates, Carter Fitness, Honda of Thousand Oaks, Mercedes-Benz Silver Star Automotive Group, Jaguar Land Rover of Ventura, Melaleauca, Suzanne Koudsi Suki-Co., Infinity by Danielle, Los Angeles Clippers, Lumar Jewelry, Willy’s Smokehouse BBQ and Grill, Jennifer Marensten, David Minkin, Waterford Crystal, Total Woman Gym and Day Spa, Ungenita Beauty International, Barefoot Wine and Miracle Hydrate.
Malibu House of Hope extent their heartfelt thanks to The Bicycle Casino, Avalon Hollywood, Judith Ripka, Zino Platinum Cigars, Reality Cares, Elite Fitness Plus, Get Up Robot, Full Print Solutions, Prep Couture, OPI, Planet Beauty, Hardcore Watches, Rockstar Guitars, Naturally Savvy, Ascenta, Knudsen, BioK, San-J, Hero Nutritionals, and all of the generous donors for their support at this year’s event.
About Malibu House of Hope:
Malibu House of Hope is a project of the Opstand Foundation. The Opstand Foundation is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit public benefits charity corporation of California working together with other organizations, local residents, churches, synagogues and businesses to eliminate homelessness. The purpose of the Opstand Foundation is to develop programs designed to meet the basic needs of every human being, food, shelter and clothing. malibuhouseofhope.org
About The Bicycle Casino:
The Bicycle Casino is the premiere place for poker in LA and is open for business 24/7/365. The Bike features 175 tables in an elegant setting, with games available at various limits, including blackjack, baccarat, pai gow, and three-card poker, in addition to the wide range of poker games spread to accommodate every player.
The Bicycle Casino is located at 7301 Eastern Avenue, Bell Gardens, CA 90201, just off the 710 freeway and only minutes from the LAX and downtown LA. Call the Welcome Center for details on all upcoming events and tournaments at (562) 806-4646 ext 545 or visit the website at https://www.thebike.com
About Avalon:
Tinsel town’s legendary Avalon Hollywood, owned by John Lyons, marries avant-garde style with a commanding ambiance. A who’s who dossier of legendary acts spanning six decades of talent reads like Hollywood’s walk of fame; the voices of Judy Garland, Prince, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and Nirvana are breathable in the room. Somewhere Over the Rainbow found Smells Like Teen Spirit and bathed in Purple Rain. Before its rebirth the Avalon Hollywood was known as The Palace and claimed bragging rights to infamous headliners including The Rolling Stones, Prince, Tina Turner, Oingo Boingo, Nirvana, the Beastie Boys, Smashing Pumpkins and Chris Cornell’s brainchild Soundgarden.
With premiere sound and lighting (John Lyons Systems/Moonlighting Inc.), the Avalon Hollywood, is a venue sure to thrill artists and patrons alike. A-list DJ’s such as Sander Kleinenberg, Carl Cox, Erick Morillo, Booka Shade and Swedish House Mafia frequent the Avalon.
The historic 1,100-person mega club is also home to the exclusive Bardot lounge, nestled tightly on the second floor – conveniently located across the street from the Los Angeles landmark Capitol Records Building. Avalon Hollywood owns the night, the players, and bountiful, music loving beauties. Trumping all competitors, complete with opera box seating, three bars and smoker-friendly patio, Avalon in Hollywood the ideal destination for live concerts, electronic dance music, award shows, private events, bold filmmakers, visionary fashion vignettes and intimate screenings.
Avalon Hollywood
1735 N. Vine Street
Hollywood, CA 90028
About Reality Cares:
The Reality Cares Foundation is a 501 (c ) (3) tax-exempt corporation whose mission is to help the entertainment industry give back and raise money and awareness for other non-profits. Since 2004, Reality Cares has worked with over 100 non-profits around the country such as Operation Smile, Camp Heartland, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Starlight Children’s Foundation and many others.
