The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica was bustling last week as stars stepped out for the Los Angeles Lakers 3rd Annual Casino night and Celebrity Poker International. Sponsored by online casino firm Bodog, the charity event helped to raise some much needed support for the LA Lakers Youth Foundation as well as some healthy publicity for Calvin Ayre and his gaming firm.
Bodog’s colorful CEO was accompanied by Lakers owner Dr Jerry Buss while he welcomed guests to the benefit. A number of well known LA Lakers attended the event, including Lamar Odom, Chris Mihm, Devean George, Kwame Brown, Brian Cook, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Kurt Rambis. The past and present players were joined by several leading Hollywood celebrities such as Marcia Cross, Paris Hilton, Magic Johnson, Jeremy Piven, Lacey Chabert, Ricki Lake, Dean Cain and Jon Kelley. Female poker champs Shannon Elizabeth and Jennifer Tilly were also in attendance.
Guests at the event learned how to play poker at the “Bodog Poker Boot Camp”, with the money they spent going to boost donations to the LA Lakers Youth Foundation. Bodog’s CEO Calvin Ayre also donated $150,000 to the charity beforehand.
The LA Lakers Youth Foundation provides financial assistance to approximately 30 leading children's charities in the Los Angeles area. The organization also runs its own programs focusing on medical care, education, and extra-curricula activities for local youth.

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