Mehki Phifer, Celebrities Team With the World Poker Tour to Raise Charitable Aid for African Education

By Matthew Scott, Special to Black Voices

As tax time approaches, it's important to remember that charitable giving throughout the year is a great way to get the benefit of tax savings through a charitable deduction while also supporting worthy causes you believe in. Through his non-profit organization The Vine Group USA, actor Mehki Phifer is doing just that, with help from the World Poker Tour.

At the three-day Texas Hold 'Em tournament to be held during the 7th annual World Poker Tour Invitational in Los Angeles, Mr. Phifer and a list of celebrities will play poker against the pros while raising money for the needy. Going from February 28 to March 2, this event includes a charitable effort to raise money for educational programs in English-speaking African countries. Celebrities who have little or no poker chips after the first two hours of play will be allowed to "re-buy" into the games for a minimum donation of $200. All money collected from "re-buys" will go to Phifer's Vine Group, which provides scholarships, textbooks and technological equipment to academic institutions in Africa.

"Attendees will be able to have fun at the tables while learning about our organization and the important cause it supports," said Mr. Phifer, who is chairman of The Vine Group.

Celebrities scheduled to appear at the tournament include: Don Cheadle, Montel Williams, Nelly, Ray Romano, Nicky Hilton, David Katzenberg, Marlon Wayans, Camryn Manheim, Levi, Donnie Wahlberg, Ricki Lake, Michael Vartan, Daniel Baldwin, Kevin Pollack, Jason Mewes, Billy Burke and Vincent Kartheiser. Confirmed poker pros include Phil Hellmuth, Mike Matusow, Mike Sexton, Phil Laak, Antonio Esfandiari, Chip Jett, Andy Bloch and Jerry Yang.

Photo Courtesy of World Poker Tour

Hot Shots January 30, 2009

Jennifer Hudson is readied on the set of the new music video for her next single 'If This Isn't Love.' "So much has happened but she's ready [to perform again]," according to People.com.

RCA Records

Actor Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrive at Narita International Airport with their children (L to R) Pax Thien, Knox, Zahara and Shiloh on January 27, 2009 in Narita, Chiba, Japan. Brad is visiting Japan to promote his film 'The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button.'

Junko Kimura, Getty Images

Actor Ralph Fiennes (far R) and actress Meryl Streep (C) the winner of the Female Actor in a Leading Role award for 'Doubt' walk off stage during the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Rihanna performs at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert held at the Ford Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds on January 29, 2009 in Tampa, Florida.

Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

Christina Milian and The-Dream attend Karen Kwak's birthday party at the Thompson LES on January 28, 2009 in New York City.

WireImage

Kanye West and Mischa Barton attend the Elie Saab fashion show during Paris Fashion Week Menswear Autumn/Winter 2009 at Palais de Tokyo on January 28, 2009 in Paris, France.

WireImage

Actresses Eva Longoria Parker (L) and Rosario Dawson attend the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards cocktail party held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

WNBA athelete Lisa Leslie and singer Keyshia Cole attend the 17th Annual Trumpet Awards at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on January 25, 2009 in Atlanta.

WireImage

Actor Forest Whitaker attends a special screening of the Documentary 'Kassim The Dream' hosted by actor Forest Whitaker Citi, GQ Magazine and The Gentlemen's Found on January 29, 2009 at the Arclight Theatres, Los Angeles, California.

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

Miss Jackie Geist, Miss California, leaps in the air after being named a top 10 finalist during the 2009 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino January 24, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ethan Miller, Getty Images