It’s a sure bet that the inaugural Jeff Conine Celebrity Poker Classic will become an instant hit as it pairs celebrities with poker players at all levels for a great cause: raising awareness and funds for the Conine Clubhouse at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

There will be a full house at Calder Casino & Race Course on Sunday, September 4, when the VIP baseball-themed reception kicks-off the fun at 6:00pm followed by the poker tournament at 7:00pm. Twenty tables will fill the Studz Poker Club at Calder, each featuring a different celebrity or Florida Marlins player for participants to test their poker faces and challenge the skills.

“We are delighted to sponsor and host the inaugural Jeff Conine Celebrity Poker Classic,” said Austin Miller, president of Calder Casino & Race Course. “Jeff and Cindy Conine along with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation lead by example. The Conine Clubhouse is a tremendous asset in South Florida. We are fortunate to be able to give back and are happy to do so. We can’t think of a better cause than to help others who are coping with the devastating effects of a child’s illness.”

“I am thrilled to launch this unique event and hope to raise much-needed funds to support the ongoing needs of the Conine Clubhouse,” said Jeff Conine. “Cindy and I greatly appreciate the generosity of the South Florida community and sponsors like Calder Casino & Race Course. Without them, events like these would not be possible.”

The event will be flush with action including a VIP welcome reception to introduce the celebrities with an open bar and everyone’s favorite ballpark specialties. A silent auction will feature sports memorabilia with 100% of the dollars raised supporting the Conine Clubhouse. Players may also take out a $20 “Bounty” on the head of their favorite celebrity players for a chance to win a personally autographed item.

The top three players will be awarded the grand prizes: a designer men’s watch: a five-night stay at the Villages at Punta Gabriela, Costa Rica: or $5000 cash and the top 10 players will receive an autographed baseball helmet.

A $250 donation to the charity gets you a seat into the tournament, and sponsorship packages are also available. To register for the Jeff Conine Celebrity Poker Classic, learn more, or to make a donation, please visit ConinePokerClassic.org or call the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation at (954) 265-7241.