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Houston is overflowing with celebrity parties and charity events with the Super Bowl taking over the city. The Bulls and Blackjack Celebrity Poker Tournament & Casino Night is a gala charity event at a private mansion on Thursday, February 2 and Poker Central ambassador Maria Ho is one of the tournaments confirmed celebrity players.

“I always enjoy playing against athletes because they operate in such a highly competitive environment for a living which translates well to poker,” Ho said. “It’s also a lot of fun because they can handle and give back some good-natured smack talking that makes charity events fun.”

The event benefits the Wade Smith Foundation, the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and the WithMerci Foundation. Hosts of the event include Wade and Rita Smith, Neil and Maria Bush and Chris and Jennifer Myers.

“All of the charities serve various needs of children in the area,” said Ho. “I’m playing for the Wade Smith Foundation which provides much need educational programs for communities. I’m looking forward to playing against Wade as I hear he is quite an avid poker player and fan of the game.”

Roger Clemens, Wayne Chrebet, Owen Daniels, Vonta Leach and Jonathan Vilma join Ho as advertised celebrities confirmed in the poker tournament. 

The top prize in the tournament is a seat at the 2017 World Series of Poker Main Event, second and third place finishers win a six-month car club membership or a luxury travel package. The last standing celebrity wins $25,000 to a charity of their choice.

Guests playing Las Vegas style blackjack, craps and roulette are also in action for prizes that include high-end electronics, luxury watches and personal chef dinners. All event details can be found at BullsandBlackjack.com

“I have a few charities that are particularly close to my heart,” Ho said. “Most recently, the Malala Fund which helps give women all over the world access to safe, quality education.”