Queen of Hearts Team
2007 Queen of Hearts Team-Front row, left to right: Elizabeth Shephard, Suzie Isaacs, Mary Jones, Jeffrey Pollack, Stacie Orloff, Isabel Mercier, Clonie Gowen. Back row, left to right : Carla Christofferson, Mylene Leitner, Lisa Wheeler, Mary Magazine, Anne Spanetti, JJ Liu, Jennifer Tilly, Founder & Co-Captain Lisa Tenner, Co-Captain Mimi Rogers, Vanessa Rousso, Crystal Osgood-Gray, Jennifer Leigh, Andrea Steele and Annie Irizarry
In the Chips!
Two Members of 2007 Queen of Hearts Team Get Into the Money at World Series of Poker Ladies Event
20 Prominent Women Help Raise Money & Awareness for Nevada Cancer Institute & American Heart Association
Co-captained by Mimi Rogers and Lisa Tenner -- and sponsored by the Poker Player's Alliance -- the Team included Actress Jennifer Tilly, LA Sparks Owner Carla Christofferson and Top Pros J.J. Liu, Vanessa Rousso, Jennifer Leigh, Clonie Gowen, Isabelle Mercier, Mary Jones and Susie Isaacs, among others
In a record setting field at the World Series of Poker Ladies Event (1,286), the 2007 Queen of Hearts team upped the stakes! Two of its members finished in the money for the first time-Mary Jones, Ladies Event defending champion, was 16th and two-time bracelet winner Susie Isaacs placed 35th-in a very tough field. But this was also the year the team truly secured the widespread awareness that will continue to help it raise funds and awareness for the Nevada Cancer Institute, Official Community Relations Partner of the World Series, and the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Campaign.
As they arrived at the Series, all arrayed in their brilliant red Queen of Hearts Team attire, the 20 prominent women cut a wide swath in the crowd. Led by Michael Bolcerek, President of the Poker Player's Alliance, the team sponsor, they filed into the tournament room behind co-captain's Lisa Tenner and Mimi Rogers, star of Fox's "The Loop." Following were TV/ film star, Jennifer Tilly, along with such female poker luminaries as J.J. Liu, Vanessa Rousso, Jennifer Leigh, Clonie Gowen and Isabelle Mercier, plus the two in-the-money finishers Mary Jones and Susie Isaacs. Also aboard are new L.A. Sparks owner Carla Christofferson, poker journalist Lisa Wheeler, founder of the Ladies Poker Tour Crystal Osgood Gray, high powered real estate broker Elizabeth Shepherd, attorney and Florida magistrate Mary Magazine, the president of luxury watchmaker Corum USA Stacie Orloff, accomplished amateur champions Anne Spinetti and Mylene Leitner , along with amateur players Andrea Steele and Annie Izizarry from Europe. Former Ladies Event champions included Jones (2006), Tilly (2005) and Isaacs (1996 and 1997). "It is truly an honor to be associated with this incredible group of women, playing on behalf of such a worthy causes," said Rogers. "Getting into the money in order to make a financial contribution is important, but even more critical is putting the spotlight on America's health. Heart disease and cancer are for the most part preventable and we can all do something to reduce the risk. Risk is essential in poker, it isn't in health."
Noted Jeffrey Pollack, World Series of Poker Commissioner, "Harrah's is proud to welcome and join the efforts of the Queen of Hearts Team which made such an impact at this year's Ladies Event. Their hearts and skills are in the right place to raise awareness and money for the Nevada Cancer Institute and American Heart Association."
The Queen of Hearts Team met for a brief brush-up coaching session from poker champion Phil Laak and veteran poker player and entrepreneur Mark Tenner before they attended a VIP reception on Saturday, June 9, the eve of the tournament. The dinner, at Bradley Ogden in Caesars Palace, was courtesy of the World Series of Poker and was hosted by Queen of Hearts Team founder and co-captain Lisa Tenner, known in poker as the leading creator, packager and marketer of unique poker events.
In attendance were Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack and Director of Tournament Operations and Communications Gary Thompson of the World Series of Poker; Clark Dumont, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for Nevada Cancer Institute; Shelly Gitomer, Vice President for Development at Nevada Cancer Institute; Janet Linder, Executive Director of the American Heart Association's Las Vegas Office; Stephanie Forbes, Business Development Director for American Heart Association/Las Vegas; Marilyn Winn, President of Bally's, Rio and Paris Las Vegas, and Michael Bolcerek, President of the Poker Player's Alliance.
"The Poker Player's Alliance is proud to be associated with such a great event and such great women poker players," said Bolcerek. "It helps to demonstrate the extraordinary change that is happening in poker in this country--the game has become such a wonderful part of men's and women's lives. The Queen of Hearts Team is also further evidence of poker as a fun and entertaining way to raise money for worthy causes."
"We appreciate the support of the community and of the Queen of Hearts Team," said Clark Dumont, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for Nevada Cancer Institute. "This financial support will help us in pursuing our mission of preventing, detecting, educating, caring and curing cancer throughout our communities." The final tally of funds raised by the team is still coming in from various members-many who made donations out of their pockets, as well as their winnings.
"The 2007 Queen of Hearts Team had some tough competition to get to the final table this year," said Lisa Tenner. "The quality of play has dramatically improved as the numbers of women competitors has climbed. We congratulate Mary and Susie for their high finishes in a record field exceeding 1,200, but each and every one of our team members is also a winner for her contribution-both in time and money.
"The Queen of Hearts Team is a royal flush for our National Go Red for Women campaign, "said Tammy Lier, American Heart Association volunteer and 2007 Las Vegas Go Red for Women Committee Chair. "This program provides great visibility to our efforts encouraging women to get check ups and make lifestyle changes that will give them greater longevity. We really appreciate these busy and successful women coming together for our cause."
About Nevada Cancer Institute
 Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) is the official cancer institute for the State of Nevada. A nonprofit organization, NVCI is committed to reducing the burden of cancer by pursuing the development of a comprehensive cancer research institute, as defined by the National Cancer Institute. Through the knowledge and expertise of the finest scientists, clinicians, educators and caregivers, the institute provides hope to communities in Nevada, the southwest and beyond through research, education, early detection, prevention and high quality patient care. The staff focuses on a future without cancer that is achieved through initiated and collaborative research in basic, clinical and population science. For more information on NVCI, please visit http://www.nevadacancerinstitute.org or call (702) 822-LIFE.
About American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Campaign
 Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's nationwide movement that celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together and wipe out heart disease. Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red and the red dress have become linked with the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.
For more information, please visit http://www.goredforwomen.org/ |
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