Power Balance’s Hold ‘em tournament benefits the search for a cure, and proves NBA players care.
For one night, Hollywood hotspot Drai’s transformed from a trendy nightclub on top of the W Hotel & Residences into a full fledged casino. It was the place to be on Tuesday, no doubt about it, and those in attendance were there for a very good cause.
NBA stars were spotted rubbing elbows with celebrities, both literally and figuratively, throughout the evening at the Power Balance hosted “All-In For a Cure” charity poker tournament, with the proceeds benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
“I think cancer affects everyone, whether it’s themselves or someone in their family,” said Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies. “We’re here for a good cause.”
Lamar Odom made an appearance, much to the delight of all the Los Angeles natives and Lakers lovers in the place to be. He was with his wifey Khloe Kardashian, of course, much to the delight of all the paparazzi in the place to be.
Sister in-law Kim Kardashian wasn’t far behind, no pun intended. But enough with the talk about so-called A-list stars. Let’s get down to business and shed some light on some of the A-list ballers that ended up in the building.
Derrick Rose put on his best poker face. And Compton’s finest Brandon Jennings, who grew up mere miles away from Hollywood, mingled about. Rajon Rondo showed up too, but refused to talk about the Celtics acquisition of Shaq.
Word was that O’Neal planned to be tableside with everyone else, but the Big Shamrock couldn’t have been expected make the event given his recent circumstances. He did, however, tape a segment that featured a shoutout to Power Balance, the maker of revolutionary Performance Technology wristbands.
“Ovarian Cancer affects the lives of thousands of people and we here at Power Balance are eager to assist in battling the disease,” said Josh Rodarmel, who is the co-founder of Power Balance, along with his brother Troy.
“We are delighted to have our family of athletes, colleagues and supporters with us as we officially begin working together with Ovarian Cancer Research Fund to help raise awareness and money for this most worthy of causes.”
They did just that, help raise awareness and money, with the help of the NBA. And make no mistake, cats like Odom and Rose certainly didn’t mind pitching and doing their parts at a place like Drai’s in Hollywood, on a Tuesday night no less.
Read the SLAMonline Discussion Rules before posting.