Drawing on the soaring popularity of poker, The Tug McGraw Foundation is
gathering an all-star team of entertainment and sports celebrities to
challenge their guests playing Texas Hold ‘Em at the Foundation’s annual
gala event, “An Evening with Tim McGraw & Friends: Honoring Those Who Make a
Difference,” on November 3rd, 2006, at The Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. Guests will be playing for a trip to Las Vegas and a seat at
the table in the World Series of Poker. “This is shaping up to be a very
special evening, one that will both entertain and inspire people,” said Tim
McGraw, the Grammy-winning country singer whose father, Tug McGraw, the
famed Phillies and Mets relief pitcher, died from brain cancer in 2004. “In
addition to trying their hand at poker, guests will enjoy a live stage show,
live and silent auctions, and an awards ceremony honoring people who have
helped to improve the quality of life for brain tumor patients and their
families.”
Returning as Master of Ceremonies, legendary baseball analyst and
commentator, Bob Costas, will recognize this year’s honorees: Chicago White
Sox First Baseman, Jim Thome; one of the leading brain tumor researchers in
the world, Dr. Darrel Bigner; President of the Philadelphia Convention &
Visitors Bureau, Tom Muldoon; and Chairman of the Philadelphia Phillies,
Bill Giles.
The celebrity poker players include former Chicago Bear Super Bowl winning
quarterback, Jim McMahon. “I was a huge fan of Tug McGraw’s and was inspired
by his tremendous courage. I’m happy to raise funds for research that helps
brain tumor patients live better,” said McMahon.
Last year, approximately 400 guests attended the gala, which was held at
Gotham Hall in New York City. George Bodenheimer, President of ESPN, Inc.
and ABC Sports, accepted an award on behalf of ESPN, Inc. for its work to
support brain tumor research. Awards were also given to Rusty Staub, Tug’s
friend and teammate with the New York Mets, and Tim McGraw, the Tug McGraw
Foundation’s Honorary Chairman. McGraw’s band, the Dancehall Doctors,
performed along with Hot Apple Pie and the Warren Brothers.
