Going ‘All-In’ for a Worthy Cause

CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 19, 2005) – Chris Moneymaker is a regular at going “all-in” as the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) champion, and now he has joined with Jeff Gordon and Harrah’s Operating Company Inc., a subsidiary of Harrah’s Entertainment, to utilize his skills to support The Jeff Gordon Foundation. Announced last week at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Moneymaker has teamed with Gordon for a new series of world class “No Limit Hold’em” tournaments for poker enthusiasts, motor sport fans, celebrities and pros beginning in November at selected Harrah’s properties with a star-studded event being held at Caesars Palace -- one of Harrah’s premier casinos. “I have had the privilege to work with Jeff and his team on a series of licensed products,” Moneymaker said. “And I was honored to be asked to co-host this world-class No Limit Hold’em Tournament with him at Caesars. “I’m looking forward to playing against the NASCAR champion, and have offered my personal contacts of celebrities and pros to play for such a worthy cause.” Building on a newly established relationship, Harrah’s casinos took their relationship with The Jeff Gordon Foundation to another level by increasing its participation in The Jeff Gordon Foundation Poker Classic with the support of the WSOP. Harrah’s has designated The Jeff Gordon Foundation as the official charity of the 2006 World Series of Poker. The Jeff Gordon Foundation Poker Classic tournaments will begin in November with satellite tournaments at multiple Harrah’s locations across the country, leading the way to the big event at Caesars Palace during the week of the annual Las Vegas race in March of 2006. “Steeped in rich tradition and the common ground of giving fans a favorite champion to cheer, both the WSOP and stock car racing have taken their sports from the fringes of American society to making them the fastest-growing sports in the country,” said Harrah’s senior vice president of brand management, Ginny Shanks. “Now, this common ground has transcended to changing lives forever through Jeff’s foundation, and we are extremely pleased with this new relationship and its focus.” To compliment his endeavors on the track, Gordon is a humanitarian leader through his work with The Jeff Gordon Foundation. Founded in 1999, the foundation supports The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Make- A-Wish Foundation, Riley Hospital for Children, The Marrow Foundation in partnership with the Hendrick Marrow Program, the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital at NorthEast Medical Center and many other charities working on behalf of children with special needs. “We are excited about teaming with Chris and the WSOP to raise funds for children and families in need of support,” said Gordon, a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. “I look forward to the opportunity to play against Chris at Caesars Palace and seeing many other motor sport fans, celebrities and other professional players going for the world class purse. “To have the support for my foundation from Harrah’s and the World Series of Poker tournament teamed with Chris’ personal involvement is a great honor.” Watch for the big event to benefit the foundation at Caesars Palace where a shootout format will allow celebrities and pros, playing on behalf of the foundation, to join the final 20 tables. The event was created by Tony Loiacono and will be co-executive produced for television with Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment. On-camera, the competitors will take part in head-to-head competitions with their favorite professional poker players and celebrities while they participate in high-stakes fun for a world-class purse. In an auction, fans will have the opportunity to purchase special memorabilia like the customized Moneymaker Gaming Foundation poker table signed by Gordon and Moneymaker -- all with a focus on supporting the foundation. Check for more information to participate in the satellite and final event at www.jeffgordonfoundation.com and www.worldseriesofpoker.com.