It's aconsensus position that dogfighting is abusive and unacceptable, and an important part ofour work at The HSUS and HSLF involves strengthening the state and federal lawsto combat this practice. But it's not enough just to wrestle down the crueltyand put people in jail when it occurs -- we also need to reach out to young peopleand make sure they don't get lured into the world of dogfighting in the firstplace.
In 2006, TheHSUS launched an innovativegrassroots program to target dogfighting in urban neighborhoods of Chicago.Our ambassadors talk to young men at risk for getting involved in this crime, andinterrupt dogfights in progress on the streets. We give them alternatives todogfighting, such as pit bull training classes that showcase pit bulls asfriends, not fighters. We improve the lives of the young men who learn tocelebrate the human-animal bond, and we improve the welfare of dogs throughvaccinations, doghouse giveaways, and other community events.
The programhas been so successful in Chicago, that we're expanding it to Atlanta and Los Angeles. And I'll be attending a very special Hollywoodevent on May 9th for the official kickoff of The HSUS's "EndDogfighting in Los Angeles" campaign. This elegant evening, dubbed "CasinoRoyale: Playing for Change," is co-sponsored by PokerStars, and will feature casinogames, a celebrity poker tournament, gourmet food, a martini and wine bar, anda silent auction. Tickets start at $350 each and include chips to all casino games.
A number of celebrities will join us at the casino event, including CoreyFeldman, Jorja Fox, Matt Grant, Bill Maher, Charlotte Ross, Hal Sparks, andMichael Vartan. And a special celebrity poker tournament will featurePokerStars pro Greg Raymer, who won an historic $5 million prize in the 2004World Series of Poker; actor Vince Van Patten, the King of the Hollywood HomeGame and host of the World Poker Tour; and actress Shannon Elizabeth, thewinner of multiple tournaments.
There are afew seats left at the table, and youcan bid online for a chance to play with these poker paladins. It's aunique opportunity to go head-to-head with five celebrity poker players andfour other winning bidders. The tournament winner will be eligible for a prizepackage valued at $15,000 -- and can choose a PokerStars Caribbean Adventure or aseat at the Las Vegas World Series of Poker.
Dogfighting not onlyclaims the lives of tens of thousands of dogs each year, but also bringsviolence and drug trafficking to our communities, and ruins the lives of youngmen who start down this dead-end path. Make a sure bet and help us provide a more positiveenvironment for people and dogs, in Los Angeles and in all communities impactedby this crime. Join me at "CasinoRoyale: Playing for Change" on May 9th, and go all in foranimals.