Hey everyone, I got an email today from the marketing director and 51 Phantom's new charity, and he asked that I put this up here, and I'm happy to do so.  It's the press release for Campbell's upcoming charity even.

Brian Campbell’s non-profit organization launches today with announcement of fundraising tournament

 Chicago, IL -- Brian Campbell, Defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks, is asking you to put your money where your heart is as he hosts a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament, in conjunction with Horseshoe Casino, to raise funds for his foundation, ‘Campbell for Kids.’

 The Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament will take place on February 10th, 2010 at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, Horseshoe Casino’s premier event facility, The Venue, a previous site of the World Series of Poker® Circuit Events.  "The tournament is a way to raise awareness and funds for a great cause and have some fun along the way," says Campbell.

 Guests will enjoy a star filled gaming experience with tournament players that include members of the Chicago Blackhawks, Blackhawks Alumni and other celebrities and professional athletes.  Confirmed players include Adam Burish, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, Patrick Kane, Brent Seabrook, Blackhawks Ambassadors and Hockey Hall of Famers Tony Esposito and Denis Savard.  "As an added benefit to participants, any player who is responsible for eliminating an athlete or celebrity player from the tournament will literally get the Blackhawk’s jersey off their back," says Campbell.  The event’s Admission Ticket is priced at $115 and includes drinks and dining, up-close tournament viewing, live casino gaming, entertainment and auctions with one of a kind packages. The Poker Tournament Buy-In is $125. Cash prizes will be awarded to the last standing tournament players.

 Proceeds from this inaugural event will benefit the Chicagoland Chapter of Autism Speaks which is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders and to funding research into prevention and treatments of Autism.  The event will also benefit Chicago’s Beard School which provides educational programs for children, ages three through nine, who have severe autism and/or emotional disorders.

 Campbell for Kids, a nonprofit organization, is a foundation established to raise funds for charities that serve children with special needs and learning disabilities throughout Chicago and the state of Illinois. The primary focus in this first year will be aiding services that focus on Autism.  "I wanted to find a way to give back to my community," says Campbell. "But more importantly, I wanted to focus on organizations that are near and dear to my heart." Campbell’s interest in helping children sparked during his years in New York playing for the Buffalo Sabres. While in New York, Brian spent time volunteering at the Summit School which provides special education for children and young adults with disabilities.

 For tickets or more information, please visit www.campbellforkids.org. Event sponsorships and partnerships are also available. Please contact Clare McDermott at clare.mcdermott@allterrain.net for sponsorship opportunities and to learn more about supporting Campbell for Kids.

 
About Brian Campbell

A three-time National Hockey League All-Star, Brian Campbell is currently in his 10th season in the league and second as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. The 30-year-old paced Chicago blueliners with 45 assists and 52 points – the most by a team defenseman in 13 years – while appearing in all 82 regular-season games in 2008-09. He was voted to the Western Conference’s starting lineup for the 2009 NHL All-Star game before helping the Blackhawks reach the conference finals for the first time in 14 years with 10 points (2G, 8A) in 17 Stanley Cup Playoff tilts.
Through the end of December, Campbell has appeared in over 360 consecutive regular-season games, the second-longest active streak among NHL defensemen. The Strathroy, Ontario, native skated in his 500th NHL regular-season game on Oct. 15, 2009 and has collected more than 200 assists and 250 points during his career with the Buffalo Sabres (1999-2008), San Jose Sharks (2008) and Blackhawks (2008-present). Prior to turning pro, Campbell captured the 1999 Memorial Cup as a member of the Ottawa 67’s (Ontario Hockey League).
 
Campbell for Kids

Brian Campbell, Defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks, is proud to announce the launch of his foundation, Campbell for Kids, a 501 (c) (3) organization. The mission of the foundation is to raise funds for charities throughout Chicago and Illinois that service children with special needs and learning disabilities with a first-year-focus on Autism.