Academy of County Music holds charity poker event

ENCINO, California – (PRESS RELEASE) -- As a part of the Week Vegas Goes Country(R), the Academy of Country Music announced their plans for the 1st Annual Charity Poker Tournament today. The event will be benefiting the Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund. Big & Rich will host the event on Monday, May 14, 2007 with co-host Two Foot Fred at 2:00pm in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Academy of Country Music Charity Poker Tournament is an exclusive event that will help continue the week long celebration in Las Vegas. The MGM Grand will not only be home to the 42nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, but it will also host the tournament. The 1st place winner could receive up to $10,000 and other cash prizes will be awarded to the top ten players. With a maximum of one hundred participants during the tournament, a portion of their buy-in will go to the Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund.

"We are thrilled to be a part of the 1st ever ACM Charity Poker Tourney," says Big Kenny. "We hope to see some big winnings come out of this throw down as we have spent some major time at these tables, so get ready for some Big & Rich fun."

John Rich continues, "We are here for the party, and the ACM's sure know how to throw one. And having us host the inaugural tournament is both and honor and privilege to rack up some chips for charity, watch out, we are here to make some big bucks."

To register for this year's Academy of Country Music Charity Poker Tournament please visit ACMCountry.com. Registration fee is $375.00, with portions of the proceeds benefiting the Academy of Country Music(R) Charitable Fund. You must be 21 years of age or older to participate.

With more than 40 years giving to those in need, the Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund promotes and supports music education and humanitarian programs that transform the human spirit. Through its charitable donations, the ACMCF achieves two main goals, Learning Through Music and Healing Through Music. For more information on the Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund please visit www.acmcf.org.

The 42nd Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards ceremony honoring country music's top talent as well as the industry's hottest emerging talent, will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.