McGowan Durpetti & Associates to Produce Fourth Annual Texas Hold 'Em Tournament to Benefit Chicago Gateway Green

McGowan Durpetti & Associates (MD&A), a Chicago-based event production firm, announces that it has been retained to produce Chicago Gateway Green's Fourth Annual Texas Hold 'Em charity tournament. The July 15 event takes place at Galleria Marchetti (825 W. Erie St., Chicago), and is open to both players and spectators.

The charitable buy-in of $150 entitles players to $5,000 in chips, and the chance to win the grand prize donated by Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind.: a $100,000 buy-in spot in the 2009 World Series of Poker Tournament in Las Vegas, Nev.

Unlike the previous tournament where the event ended with ten (10) finalists who qualified for a tournament to be played at a later date, this year's tournament plays to one winner who will be awarded the grand prize on-site at the event.

In 2008, more than 120 players participated, including local media personality Richard Roeper, entertainment columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times as well as other celebrities, including television personalities Mookie Lee from Survivor: Fiji, and Ali Azhar of HGTV fame. This year promises even more celebrity participation.

The 2008 event raised more than $30,000 for Chicago Gateway Green to continue their mission of the beautification of Chicago's expressways and roadways.

"We are very happy to be working with Chicago Gateway Green on this event again this year," says Michelle Durpetti, managing partner of McGowan Durpetti & Associates. "We are confident we can create another spectacular event to raise even more money for their programs while providing guests with a fun evening of charitable gaming."

In addition to Texas Hold 'Em, MD&A has added a variety of other gaming for the 2009 event, including roulette, craps and black jack for those who prefer to try their luck away from the poker table. And, of course, spectators are always welcome, although a $25 admission fee is required for non-gamers.

There will also be a "Sit and Go" option where players who have been eliminated from the Texas Hold 'Em table will have the opportunity to buy back in to other games with opportunities to win other great prizes. Due to the charitable nature of the event, no cash is awarded to any player.

Check in for the event begins at 5:30 p.m., and the gaming floor opens at 6:30 p.m. Guests at the event also enjoy a lavish appetizer buffet and an open bar. Once again this year, MD&A provides a VIP lounge area complete with music, premium liquor and hand rolled cigars.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Chicago Gateway Green, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the greening and beautification of expressways, gateways and neighborhoods of Chicago. For more information about the organization, visit www.gatewaygreen.org.