Poker Professionals, Phil Hellmuth, Jr. & Robert Williamson III to Host Kentucky Derby Poker Championship: All-In for Climate Change


LOUISVILLE, KY--(Marketwire - April 29, 2008) - Poker pros Phil Hellmuth, Jr. and Robert Williamson III will host the Kentucky Derby Poker Championship, a pro-celebrity charity event, at Caesars Indiana on Saturday, May 3, 2008 following the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby. The primary beneficiary charities are the international Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre, focused on saving lives of vulnerable communities increasingly affected by floods and droughts, and the Health and Climate Foundation, focused on eradicating epidemics of Malaria and other diseases around the world. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Robby Albarado Foundation, a non-profit organization established to assist homeless, socially/economically disadvantaged and less fortunate individuals.

Layne "Back to Back" Flack, Montel Williams, and high profile celebrities and poker players will join Hellmuth and Williamson for the tournament combining efforts to support the work of charities in Africa and Kentucky. Hellmuth will emcee and simultaneously play in the tournament, creating an exceptionally entertaining environment.

A Red Carpet Welcome Reception will begin at 7:00 pm. The $2,500 poker tournament kicks-off at 8:30 pm. There will be unlimited re-buys for additional chips until the first break and a one-time add-on at the end of the re-buy period. The first place prize is a 2008 $10,00 World Series of Poker Main event seat. Runner up will receive an UltimateBet prize package valued at $8,500, including entry into the 2008 Aruba Poker Classic tournament in September.

"I'm really excited to be co-hosting this event with Robert Williamson III and to support such an important cause," said Hellmuth. "The climate is changing and the poor will be the hardest hit. Anything we can do to raise awareness of this issue and help save lives is important."

Caesars Indiana, located just minutes from Louisville, Kentucky and Churchill Downs, will run qualifying events on the day of the event. Satellite qualifiers will receive seats into the main event. For more information or to pre-register for the tournament, visit www.caesarsindiana.com or call the Caesars Indiana Poker Room at 1-800-660-9744 Monday thru Friday from 11:00 am - 7:00 pm (EST).

Individuals and businesses interested in playing in or supporting the charities through a donation can visit the event web-site at http://www.kentuckyderbypokerchampionship.org/. Additional information on the charities and event can also be found at the web-site.

Contact Information: Contact Information: Event Media Inquiries: G. Douglas Dreisbach 502.777.3711 Poker Public Relations: Lisa Wheeler 702.327.7250 Event Sponsorship Opportunities: Karen Williamson 312.602.5352 Health & Climate Foundation: Mark Oliver 202.587.5658 Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre: Pablo Suarez 617.783.3046 Robby Albarado Foundation: Gary Demling 502.314.7857 Caesars Indiana: Judy Hess 1-877-237-6626 www.caesarsindiana.com