| 50 players started out yesterday in the Media/Charity event. I was one of those 50 starting with $10,000 in chips. It would be true to say that quite a few of the starters were in fact novice players, however some of the more notable names that started include, Oklahoma Johnny Hale, Linda Johnson, Lee Munzer, Rich Willens, Jim McManus and Phil Field from Poker Digest. When we got down to the final table we all received a WSOP final table jacket. We were all made to feel very special by Binions Horseshoe. The final 3 players were Lee Munzer, Rich Wilens and Moi. We all agreed that a straight split of the total $6,500 in prize money would be a charitable thing to do. Therefore 3 charities each received $2,166 for our efforts. My personal choice is www.aglimmerofhope.org . Tina and I are friends with the founders of this charity and they were fortunate enough to sell their internet company recently to Charles Schwab. They have committed a huge part of their wealth to this charitable organization. This ensures that 100% of all contributions go directly to the project of the donators choice. My choice for the $2,166? I know that one of the projects currently being worked on is bringing fresh water to millions of Ethiopians that do not have such luxuries. I believe the cost of one of these wells may be in the region of $5,000. It is amazing how much we more fortunate people take for granted in this life. I believe a well can bring life support to some 200 unfortunate people. The $2,166 donation just might help to save the lives of some 100 or so human beings. I think this might have to go down in my books as the biggest poker success in my career to date.
After we had made the deal for the prize money I quickly won all the chips and became the "World Series of Poker Champion of the Media". Rich Wilens finished second, his chosen charity was "Jewish Family Services". Third was Lee Munzer who was playing for "Child Haven of Las Vegas".
Next year I will be back to defend this title, in the meantime I wish everyone "A Glimmer of Hope"
Be Lucky
Mark Napolitano | 
