The event raised more than $200,000 for the Keep Memory Alive Foundation, and there’s already talk of a repeat performance next year. “We turned so many people away who wanted to play. We were sold out before the invitations even reached the mailboxes. How often do you get to talk one-on-one with professional poker players?”

Most of the celebs stuck around afterward to share their bad beat stories with the pros. A lucky few even got a tip or two.

>> For more information about the Keep Memory Alive Organization, call (702) 248-1033 For more information on Alzheimer’s visit www.alz.org.

Keep Memory Alive was founded in 1996 to raise critical research dollars for a state-of-the-art residential research and treatment center for Alzheimer’s Disease. Since its inception as an intimate dinner party to the present star-studded gala Keep Memory Alive has raised over $10 million towards achieving these goals. Founded by Larry Ruvo, Senior Managing Partner of Southern Wine and Spirits, his wife Camille Ruvo, and Mirage Resorts CEO and renowned poker legend Bobby Baldwin, along with wife Donna Baldwin. Keep Memory Alive has grown to become one of Las Vegas’ most important charity initiatives and a key participant in the national fight against Alzheimer’s Disease.

Projections estimate that 14 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s Disease by the year 2050 unless a cure or prevention is found.