Hollywood, FL (June 27, 2017) – The Jeff Conine Celebrity Poker Classic is a night of fun and philanthropy, with an opportunity for attendees to take home more than $30,000 in cash and prizes. Best of all, it will improve the lives of children and families coping with serious medical issues.

The 6^th annual fundraiser will be held on Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to benefit the Conine Clubhouse, a home-away-from-home where families of children under care at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital can stay for free as long as necessary. The charity event kicks off with an exclusive VIP player party at Kuro Japanese Restaurant from 5 – 7 p.m. prior to the tournament’s start time at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music, cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres and a chance to win more than $30,000 in cash and prizes including a $5,250 seat in the SHRPO $3 Million Guarantee Championship. In addition, there will be two $1,000 bonus payouts. The first will go to the chip leader at the time registration closes while the second will go to the player who has the most re-entries.

The event, hosted by “Mr. Marlin,” Jeff Conine, presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and the Charity Series of Poker, will feature celebrities playing alongside players of all skill levels for a first prize valued at $10,000. Other prizes include vacation and hotel packages, jewelry, and cash totaling more than $20,000. Live and silent auctions of unique items from the worlds of sport and entertainment will also be part of the action.

A $300 donation to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation reserves a seat for poker and entry to the VIP reception. Those not playing poker can purchase admission to the reception for $100.

Proceeds benefit the Conine Clubhouse, which has provided free lodging to nearly 11,000 families that have had a child hospitalized at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. More than $100,000 was raised at the 2016 event.

“Cindy and I stayed at the clubhouse when our son was younger and know firsthand the importance of being close to the hospital,” said Conine. “It provides all the amenities of a three-star hotel but, more importantly, gives families a temporary place to call home when they need it most.”

“One of the hardest things for a parent is watching their child suffer and having to leave them alone for even the briefest of moments,” said Susan Renneisen, vice president of community affairs and special events for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. “The Conine Clubhouse is an established and integral part of our community, allowing families the opportunity to stay close to their loved ones in a beautiful and relaxing facility during a difficult time. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Charity Series of Poker is honored to support the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation’s fundraising efforts through the Jeff Conine Celebrity Poker Classic.”

The Jeff Conine Celebrity Poker Classic is presented by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood) and hosted by the Charity Series of Poker.

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About JDCHF
Established in 1994, the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation (www.jdchfoundation.org) raises funds through events like the Conine Celebrity Poker Classic to assist patients and their families and underwrite the costs of programs, facilities and equipment at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the largest children’s hospital serving Broward and Palm Beach counties.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is South Florida’s iconic entertainment destination located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach. The AAA Four Diamond-rated resort features 469 luxury guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club Bar & Grill, a Hard Rock-inspired spa, premium meeting and convention space and a 5,500-seat Hard Rock Live concert arena. The casino offers more than 100 table games, 2,000 of the most popular slots and a poker room.

Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. In the heart of the hotel is L Bar, a sophisticated, contemporary lounge showcasing handcrafted classic cocktails with a twist. Contemporary and casual eateries, include Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 176 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants. Visit casino.hardrock.com/hollywood.