On Saturday, April 10, 2010, the first annual Directors Guild Foundation (DGF) Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament took place at DGA headquarters in Los Angeles. 260 players made up of DGA members, their guests, sponsors, and donor players assembled for an evening of excitement and competition.
"In 1945, a group of Directors began a great tradition of generosity by providing support to fellow DGA members facing financial hardship," said tournament Co-Chair Donald Petrie, introducing the evening. "That is what tonight is all about... coming together to enjoy an evening of spirited competition, prizes and camaraderie with all proceeds going to support the good work of the DGF."
Co-Chair Gil Cates, Jr. also thanked all the players for their participation, adding, "I'd like to propose a toast to everyone here tonight, our members and their guests who are here in support of your brothers and sisters in the DGA."
The first place winner was Director Brandon Sonnier, who in addition to receiving the DGF Poker Tournament Champion Bracelet and bragging rights, was also awarded the grand prize, a seat in the most glamorous stop on the poker circuit, the World Poker Tournament (WPT) Celebrity Invitational scheduled to take place in February 2011. The televised Invitational is an invitation-only event combining Hollywood celebrities and world-class poker professionals in a head-to-head Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament for charity and cash prizes.
The DGA Foundation Board of Trustees wishes to express its gratitude and thanks to our Tournament Sponsors and Donors.
Gold Sponsors:
- Bush Gottlieb Singer Lopez Kohanski Adelstein & Dickinson
- Jackson Catering
- Moving Image Technologies
- Nigro, Karlin, Segal & Feldstein
- Peerless Building Maintenance Co.
- Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
- The Spread Group
Silver Sponsors:
- 360 Group International
- Able Engineering
- EMCOR
- IngleDodd Publishing
- Intra-Con Construction
- Legacy Partners
- QSC Audio
- Rossmore Property & Casualty
- Securitech Security Services
- Ten/Four Pictures
- The Revere Group
Bronze Sponsors:
- Alligator Pear Catering
- Cinema Technology Services
- Emergency Power Controls, Inc.
- Fox Printing Company
- Massa Studio Sound and Projection
- Standard Parking
- Transwestern
- Veneklasen Associates
A Very Special Thanks to:
- Champion Security
- Entertainment Lighting Services
- Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino
- Good Gracious Events
- Gourmet Coffee Inc.
- Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel
- John & Pete’s Fine Wine & Spirits
- Microsoft
- Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co.
- NBC/Universal
- Norm Levin & Company
- Parisian Florist
- Pokerstars
- Shlemmer Algaze & Associates
- Sony
- The Patron Spirits Company
- Town & Country Event Rentals
- World Poker Tour
(Photos by Byron Gamarro.)
