By Brad "Otis" Willis

This is the weekend you can win a one-of-a-kind prize straight from PokerStars and the cast of Ocean's Thirteen. PokerStars is giving away a signed poker baize (known in some circles as a felt) in a tournament aimed at helping the efforts of Not On Our Watch, a charity that aids the suffering in Darfur, Sudan. The Ocean's Thirteen Charity Event is on July 22nd 2007, 15:30 ET. The winner will receive a professional poker baize signed by the producer and cast of "Ocean’s Thirteen".


Here's a little background on how PokerStars ended up with this prize:

Back during the worldwide premiere of the movie at the Hotel Du Cap in Cannes, France, the cast of "Ocean's Thirteen" reunited and took the time to sign the baize for PokerStars' third 'Ocean's Thirteen Charity Tournament'. It was an act of both charity and appreciation for PokerStars' involvement in the charity Not On Our Watch.

This was the first time the cast had all gathered together for a photo call since shooting the movie poster. Also in attendance was Team PokerStars' 2005 World Champion Joe Hachem, who gladly offered up playing tips to the stars, in particular Don Cheadle and Matt Damon who turned up early to meet the champ.


Producer Jerry Weintraub, together with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Don Cheadle, launched the charity Not On Our Watch to help raise awareness of the suffering in Darfur, the western region of Sudan, Africa.

The plight there is very real -- hundreds of thousands of people there have lost their lives due to the ongoing instability in the region, and millions more have been displaced and are entirely reliant on international aid for their survival.

It's a situation that requires help -- and fast. And that's exactly what PokerStars and its players have provided. First, PokerStars donated $1 million to the charity. Then it ran two charity tournaments with great Ocean's Thirteen prizes.

PokerStars players' efforts have been fantastic so far. And, for their charitable efforts, eight of the players -- with guests -- have attended the 'Ocean's Thirteen' premieres in both Cannes and Los Angeles. Other winners will receive copies of the DVD when it goes on general release.

The prize for the third 'Ocean's Thirteen Charity Tournament' will be no less spectacular. The winner will receive a signed baize, framed, as you see above.

If you want to donate direct to the charity it couldn't be easier, email support@pokerstars.net for all the details. All money will go directly to the charity and PokerStars will generously match all funds donated!