Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

The Celebrity Poker Tournament costs $1,250 to play in and is open to the public. It starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday and people who want to just come and watch the action can do so for a $50 donation.

Many former NBA stars are expected to attend the charity poker tournament as well as the rest of the fundraising weekend. Michael Jordan will make his return after winning the charity poker event in Las Vegas last year.

"It's gratifying to see so many celebrities and friends, such as Michael Jordan, return to our event year after year," said Trent Tucker, former University of Minnesota and NBA basketball star and founder of the Trent Tucker Non-profit Organization.

"They come back because they really want to make a difference in the lives of young people, and this is one way they can put their commitment into action."

The weekend will also include a Bentley Maserati Minneapolis Reception and a post-reception celebrity party on Friday, plus the Celebrity Golf Tournament on Saturday. Patrick Ewing and Scottie Pippen are also expected to be in attendance for the events.

This is the 10th year Trent Tucker has hosted the fundraiser for his organization. Since 1998, the combination charity poker tournament and golf tournaments and other events have raised more than $1 million for local charities and provide crucial funding for the Trent Tucker Youth Program.

The youth program is an initiative that provides Twin Cities at-risk middle school students with leadership training, career development and educational opportunities.

"The Trent Tucker Youth Program empowers youth by developing the skills they need to make positive choices," says the organization's Web site. "The program is unique because it offers young people an opportunity to learn more about themselves and others using a controlled risk activity."

The Trent Tucker Youth Program has also now set a goal to establish a charter school that will carry on the organization's philosophy of providing unique educational opportunities for at-risk youth. The charter school will focus on children in grades six through eight.

For more information about the events, visit www.TrentTucker.org.

Visit PokerListings.com