Eva Longoria Discusses 7th Annual Eva’s Heroes Celebrity Casino Night on Oct. 11
On Saturday, October 11 from 5:30-11:30 p.m., Eva Longoria will host the 7th Annual Eva’s Heroes Celebrity Casino Night Presented by L’Oreal Paris. The event, which will feature a charity poker tournament, will take place at Hotel Elian in San Antonio, Texas.
Eva's Heroes was cofounded by actress Longoria, star of Desperate Housewives, and Christiane Perkins-Garcia to help youth with intellectual special needs integrate and flourish in society. Proceeds will go toward Eva's Heroes programs: After School, Summer Enrichment, and Monthly Activities. This year’s gala will feature a “Monaco Magic” theme and attendees are encouraged to take fashion cues from haute couture, think edgy, glitzy, and glamorous.
"In the seven years we've been hosting Eva's Heroes Celebrity Casino Night, we've been fortunate to attract not only the best poker players in South Texas, but top-tier players from across the nation," Longoria told PokerNews. "Our celebrity guests get in on the action too, and take their poker very seriously. In years past, some of them have even made it to the final table ... We are excited that our theme 'Monaco Magic' will capture the majestic charm of the French Riviera sprinkled with a touch of Texas flair."
In past years, Eva’s Heroes Casino Night has attracted notable names from both Hollywood and poker including Extra! host Mario Lopez and 13-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth. In 2013, Joel Knubowitz emerged as the lucky winner of the charity poker tournament.
Here are some details on the event:
- When: Saturday, October 11 from 5:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
- Where: Hotel Eilan, Autograph Collection® 17103 La Cantera Parkway San Antonio, TX 78256
- Cost: $250 per person for Celebrity Casino Night
- Poker Tournament: $400 per person (includes ticket to full event). Registration & lunch are from 12-1 p.m.; tournament begins at 1:30 p.m.
- Additional Info: Red carpet parade of celebrities begins at 6:30 p.m.
Lisa Aiken Shelley of Eva’s Heroes was kind enough to answer a few questions on the upcoming event.
PokerNews: What celebrities are expected to be at the event?
Shelley: To date, Eva Longoria, celebrity chefs Monica Pope, Rebecca Rather and Nedra Harris are confirmed.
The final nine players will be awarded prizes. Do you know what those prizes may be?
A few of the prizes we have obtained are include a Medina Custom Poker Table, a Tag Heuer watch, a seat at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, James Bond 50th Anniversary poker chip set, a Rhinofit pilot's watch and wallet, and Spurs tickets.
Poker legend Phil Hellmuth has been associated with your charity for years. How did that relationship come about?
Phil Hellmuth is a household name, and we wanted the best of the best. Fortunately he agreed to emcee for us. He's been a great supporter ever since.
This is the 7th annual edition of the event. Will there be any significant changes from years past?
The theme of this year's event is Monaco Magic. Think French Riviera, casinos, royalty, glitz and glamour. We will have a Big Board Live Auction, featuring a package donated by Celebrity Chef Monica Pope from Bravo's Top Chef, which can be redeemed the day after our event - a private cooking class for 24! We will also host a fabulous poolside after party with internationally inspired entertainment that will light the night!
How will the funds raised during this event be used?
Celebrity Casino Night is the primary fundraiser for our programs for individuals with intellectual special needs. Our programs include an After School Program, Monthly Activities, and Summer Enrichment Program.
For more information on the 7th Annual Eva’s Heroes Celebrity Casino Night, visit evasheroes.org.
*Lead photo courtesy of evasheroes.org.
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