Holiday Party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Poker Lounge in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - November 26, 2008) - The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is hosting their first annual "Poker Jingle at the Hard Rock Poker Lounge" on 12 December in Las Vegas. Professional and celebrity poker players Phil Hellmuth, Jamie Gold, Erick Lindgren, Beth Shak, Tiffany Michelle, Jennifer Harman, Todd Brunson, Brad Booth, Andy Bloch, Barry Greenstein, JJ Liu, Antonio Esfandiari, Layne Flack, Brandon Cantu, Jeff Madsen, Lee Watkinson, Roy Winston, Lee Markholt, James Van Alstyne, Marco Traniello, Maria Ho, Chad Brown, and Mark Newhouse have agreed to participate. Fans and spectators are also welcome and celebrities will be available to sign autographs.

Activities include hors d'oeuvres and EFFEN cocktails from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Hard Rock Santa's helpers, a silent auction, and a tribute to Mindy Trinidad -- a popular member of the poker community who recently lost her battle with Leukemia -- presented by close friend Kelli Griggs. Tom McEvoy will host a $200 + $30 celebrity poker tournament (CPT) starting at 3 p.m. All proceeds will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) of Southern Nevada.

The "Poker Jingle at the Hard Rock Poker Lounge" is open to the public. Tournament seats are limited. Pre-register by visiting the LLS Active.com payment processing page located at http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1658857&assetId=d09e6f2e-4552-4677-b288-baa228ad939e or visit www.lls.org/pokerjingle and follow the steps to make the recommended donation. Participants may also register at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Poker Lounge on the day of the event when all funds will be collected by The LLS/Southern Nevada. For updated event information and "Sponsor A Pro" promotions, visit http://www.greasiewheels.com.

Sponsors and supporters of "Poker Jingle at the Hard Rock Poker Lounge" include Curtis & Co. Watches, Tower of Jewels, EFFEN Vodka, GreasieWheels, LIPS, Apivita, Hogs & Hiefers Saloon, Who's Your Daddy Energy Drink, 2 Step Images, Xocai Chocolate, Nettie Scrub, The Real Deal, Mary Kay, Red Rock Harley-Davidson, and Nothing Bundt Cakes. The "Poker Jingle at the Hard Rock Poker Lounge" is supported by LIPS Tour and is a GreasieWheels production.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society -- The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

About Mindy Trinidad -- The beautiful up-and-coming new star of women's poker made the final table of the 2007 World Series of Poker Ladies event and won the Reno Hilton's Pot of Gold. The wife, mother of two, and friend to many was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and lost her battle due to complications. To read Mindy's blog, visit http://www.mindytrinidad.blogspot.com/.

About the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Poker Lounge -- The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, newly owned and operated under Morgans Hotel Group and equity partner, DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, is a premier destination entertainment resort situated strategically on Harmon Avenue, one of Las Vegas' fastest growing entertainment corridors. Built in 1995 and expanded in 1999, the property is currently undergoing another expansion set for completion in early 2010, more than tripling its current size. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers an energetic entertainment and gaming experience with the services and amenities associated with a boutique luxury resort hotel. The property is known for its innovative nightlife and music scene. Features of the property include an 11-story Hard Rock Hotel tower with 647 guest rooms; a 30,000 square foot casino; The Beach Club with swimming pool; Rehab, the trendsetting Sunday afternoon pool party; Body English nightclub; The Joint concert hall; rock lounge Wasted Space; restaurants including AGO, Nobu, Pink Taco, AJ's Steakhouse; three cocktail lounges; several retail stores; and Rock Spa, salon and fitness center. For room availability and additional information call 800.HRD.ROCK (800.473.7625) or visit www.hardrockhotel.com.

Contact Information: Contact: Sylvia Wolf Executive Director Leukemia & Lymphoma Society/Southern Nevada email: (702) 436-4220