Kudos to Bodog on a patriotic move
22.06.2005Kudos to Calvin Ayre's Bodog gambling group were due this week following an imaginative celebrity "Thank you to the troops" initiative for the 110,000 men and women of the U.S. military currently in Hawaii, many of whom are awaiting or returning from deployment in the Middle East.
The four-day event is scheduled for July 21-24, 2005, under the banner 'Bodog Salutes Our Troops: A Tribute to American Heroes,' and will be held in Oahu, Hawaii.
The program includes visiting celebrities, musicians, comedians, professional athletes and troops interacting in various activities including a poker tournament, family picnic, and a softball game. There will also be a comedy show and concert held at the world famous Waikiki Shell for 8,000 military members and their families.
All proceeds from the event will go to the military charity Fisher House Foundation.
"Bodog Salutes our Troops is an opportunity to give something back to the men and women who have risked their lives in the interest of protecting our freedom," said Ayre. "Giving these troops a little entertainment and leisure time is the least we can do for their sacrifices, and we are thrilled to be involved with Fisher House Foundation, a charity that truly supports troops in their time of need."
"We are delighted to welcome all of the celebrity participants who will visit our island for this event," said Kathy Giannetti, Leisure Activities Director CPRP CPP, U.S. Military. "Every little bit helps in keeping morale high, and this event will be a real treat for the personnel stationed here."
The entertainment will bring together the service men and women of the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Marines, Army and Coast Guard based at Hickam Airforce Base, Schofield Barracks, Pearl Harbor, and Kaneohe Marine Corp Base.
One of the highlights of the weekend will feature an inter-service poker tournament with finalists playing with celebrities at Camp Bodog on the beach. The finals, which will be held at world renowned Kahala Mandarin Oriental resort, will be overseen by world famous poker tournament director Matt Savage. The tournament will feature approximately 15 celebrities, 10 Bodog.net players and over 60 U.S. Troops going head-to-head in No Limit Texas Hold 'Em, with the top celebs and troops squaring off at the final table.
"Fisher House Foundation is delighted to be working with Bodog on this event to salute the troops," said James Weiskopf, Vice President of Fisher House Foundation. "It's a wonderful way to combine fun and entertainment while giving a little something back. So many families will benefit and that's what our Foundation is all about."
