Hollywood Stars and Poker pros to Put on a Poker Face for Charity at 8th Annual WPT Invitational

World Poker Tour (WPT) and non-profit organization Chrysalis are teaming up again this year to host the 8th Annual WPT Invitational on Saturday, February 20 at Commerce Casino.

"Every year WPT partners with a different charity for the Invitational to bring light to a variety of issues and the organizations that are hard at work to make a difference. We’ve found an incredible partner this year in Chrysalis and look forward to bringing more recognition and support to such an important cause through this fun, high profile event." said Adam Pliska, WPT President.

The exclusive invite-only event brings Hollywood stars and sports celebrities against the game’s top pros and compete in a three-day tournament for charity, $200,000 prize pool, including a $25,500 seat to the WPT World Championship donated by Commerce Casino, and a place in poker history.

Reaching its eighth year on the WPT tournament circuit, the Invitational has become a highly popular event among celebrities and poker pros alike. Ray Romano, Jason Alexander, Jon Hamm, Ricki Lake, Don Cheadle, Brad Garrett, Mena Suvari, Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Camryn Manheim, Paris Hilton and Michael Vartan and are just a few of the celebrities who have tried their hand against legendary pros like Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Gus Hansen, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson and Jennifer Harman.

The action will kick off with a special red carpet arrivals and an exclusive cocktail party, followed by the official “Shuffle Up and Deal” call. Participants will have the opportunity during the first two hours of play to do a one-time $200 “rebuy” to receive an extra $10,000 in chips and get back in the game. One hundred percent of the re-buy proceeds will benefit Chrysalis, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged and homeless individuals become self-sufficient through employment opportunities. Additionally, WPT has made tickets available to Chrysalis to help boost critical fundraising support though a limited time auction.

Players who survive the first day will resume play at 1 p.m. on February 21. The last six players remaining will return March 3 to compete for the $200,000 prize pool, donated by Commerce Casino. The winner will take home the $100,000 first place prize, which includes a $25,500 seat in the WPT World Championship. The Final Table will be recorded for broadcast on Fox Sports Net (FSN). The episode will air on FSN in May 2010.