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Charity Hosts Poker Tournament

Opportunity Village, dubbed 'Las Vegas' favorite charity' will host the Opportunity Village Celebrity poker Tournament on June 24 from 1-6 p.m. at Caesars Las Vegas. Guests are welcome in the event.

Legends Siegfried & Roy will be making an appearance in support of Opportunity Village. "It's such an honor to have Siegfried & Roy and many of our community's premier entertainers together for an afternoon of fun with a purpose," said Opportunity Village Chief Development Officer Linda Smith. "We are pleased that Opportunity Village has become known for its spectacular special events, but it's important that people know just how critical our programs are to southern Nevadans with intellectual disabilities."

VIP reception and "Losers' Lounge" will be held during the tournament at PURE Nightclub in Caesars Palace, including a silent auction, and poker lessons. A total of more than $100,000 in prizes will be offered, including a $10,000 seat in the World Series of Poker championship donated by Harrah's Entertainment, and jewelry from M.J. Christensen Diamond Centers.

Opportunity Village is a charity organization that is almost entirely internally funded. Established by southern Nevadans to recognize the needs of the intellectually challenged, Opportunity Village provides a valuable community service by offering vocational training, job placement, and social recreation programs to them. 2005 saw Opportunity Village paying more than $2 million in wages to its clients and saving taxpayers more than $46 million by lessening the number of those relying on state support. Opportunity Village wishes to continue providing their valuable programs with a design to expand.

"In our society, people with intellectual disabilities live their lives constantly being told what they can't do," said Ed Guthrie, Opportunity Village Executive Director. "Opportunity Village strives to break that horrible stigma, encouraging its clients to follow their dreams, whether they include community or sheltered employment, social recreation, music, art, or just the chance to be independent."

Celebrities scheduled to appear include Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton, Clint Holmes, Frankie Scinta, David Brenner, and many more. The event is sponsored by Harrah's Entertainment, Caesars Palace, PURE Nightclub, Action Gaming, M.J. Christensen Diamond Centers, Shuffle Master, The Link, The Review-Journal, and Greenspun Media.

Included in the $500 tournament contribution is a seat into the event and access to the catered VIP reception and Losers' Lounge. To register for the Opportunity Village Celebrity Poker Tournament or for more information, log on to www.opportunityvillage.org or contact Rachel Vorzimer at (702) 839-4757.

09/15/2006, Friday
Todd Sanders

Charity Hosts Poker Tournament

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