Lost TV Star Headlines Independent Film Fundraiser at Park West

We're squiring Terry O'Quinn (aka John Locke from Lost) about town tomorrow for a media tour to promote a fundraiser at Park West this Saturday evening, put on by our client Michelle Durpetti Events. The money goes to the independent film Using, which will premiere in November 2011 at Sundance Film Festival. After party at Bull & Bear.

Last year I blogged about my dear friend Lady Luck and Chicago Gateway Green's Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament, a star-studded blast. As a member of Gateway Green's associate board, I've had the honor in helping with this year's "Gaming for Green" 5th Annual tournament on Thursday, August 5, once again at the green, gorgeous venue Galleria Marchetti.

The grand prize is a $5,000 buy in to the World Series of Poker Circuit Event at Horseshoe Casino, Gaming for Green's presenting sponsor.

This year, thanks to the amazing connection of fellow associate boarder Brandon Carone, registrants who order online at www.gatewaygreen.org can get gift certificates ($350 worth) to Mercadito, Japonais, Enclave, Cuvee, Akira and Verto Salon.

But this isn't a party just for the poker sharks! Spectators like me will enjoy live entertainment, other charitable gaming, complimentary cocktails, cigars and food.

Celeb participants include emcees Carmen DeFalco and John Jurkovic from ESPN 1000 Radio and:

• Richard Roeper, Sun Times/WLS AM,
• Ginger Zee and Natalie Martinez, NBC 5 TV,
• Teddy Greenstein, Chicago Tribune,
• DC Crenshaw, Game Time Dine,
• Ted Widen, Chicago Scene Magazine,
• Jessica Zweig, Cheeky Chicago,
• Ryan Baker, CBS 2
  
• and lots more.

Soooo.... know when to hold 'em for a great cause and come on out August 5. Proceeds go to greening and sustainably beautifying Chicago's expressways, gateways and communities.

Welcome Home Stanley!

I've had quite a ride working in "National Championship" cities. I launched my career in entertainment at the Breslin Center, during which time the Michigan State University basketball team earned the nice, shiny trophy. Then I moved east to work for Olympia Entertainment, the business/operating arm of the Detroit Red Wings during their Stanley Cup streak. The year I hopped over to do marketing for the Detroit Free Press, the Pistons sent me a mini-trophy to thank me for our partnership when they ultimately took the crown from the Lakers. In 2005, I moved to Chicago just before the fervor of the White Sox win. But having moved here from Hockeytown, I was shocked by the near-vacant halls of the United Center during home Blackhawks games. Witnessing the team turn around over the past three seasons, gain back this fiercely loyal sports town, and finally bring home Stanley last week... this was perhaps the most thrilling of all championship wins. I was raised on the game of hockey, complete with hosed down, backyard skating rinks. It is great to see millions of new people embrace this icy sport in the Windy City. Congrats to the team, and to the city, For The Win. (Photo: Molise PR client Garrett Popcorn Shops releases limited edition Stanley Cup tin).