Haute Event: Poker Stars Support One Step Closer Foundation at the Venetian

Which celebrities would you expect to see at a poker tournament? Shannon Elizabeth? Cheryl Hines? Jennifer Tilly? Yep, all there at the Venetian Poker Room on Saturday when it hosted the third-annual “All In For CP” celebrity charity poker tournament to benefit the One Step Closer Foundation. Celebrities and professional poker players came together in support of finding a cure for cerebral palsy and graced the red carpet before taking their seats in the luxurious poker room.

Tournament host Cheryl Hines and One Step Closer Foundation founder Jacob Zalewski kicked off the event with the four most famous words in poker: “Shuffle up and deal!” Actress Shannon Elizabeth also addressed the crowd, calling Zalewski “an inspiration and a shining star.”

During the tournament, players bid on silent auction items and enjoyed massages from Canyon Ranch SpaClub massage therapists. One player bid a staggering $5,000 to sit between Playboy playmates Stacy Fuson and Lauren Anderson. And can you blame him?

Also in attendance was Mekhi Phifer of Fox’s “Lie To Me;” Sean Astin of “Lord of the Rings;” Sam Simon, creator of “The Simpsons;” Jennifer Elise Cox; Jennifer Tilly; Jeremy London; Omar Gooding; Al Santos; Miko Hughes and boxer Sergio Martinez.

Poker stars included Karina and Chip Jett, Justin Smith, Todd and Anjela Brunson, Lupe Soto, Marsha Waggoner, Robert Williamson III, Christina Lindley, Phil Laak, Eric Mizrachi, Joseph Reitman, Joe Stapleton, Andy Bloch and 2009 World Series of Poker champion Joe Cada.

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