Dr. Richard Merkin, President and CEO, Heritage Provider Network, Rolls the Dice for Kids

MARINA DEL REY, Calif., March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Richard Merkin, President and CEO, Heritage Provider Network sponsored an evening with the stars to raise money for United Friends of the Children, The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony, The Alliance for College Ready Schools and the Richard Merkin Middle School-Children's Charities. The poker tournament event provided the opportunity for players to display their skills to help the numerous children's charities that Dr. Merkin supports. These organizations are dedicated to improving education and giving children an opportunity to attend universities.

The Alliance for College Ready Schools is devoted to opening and operating successful networks of small high-performing middle schools and high schools in underachieving, low-income communities in California that will graduate students ready for success in college.

There are 25,000 foster children in Los Angeles; United Friends of the Children, through their Housing and Education Programs provide foster youth with the opportunity to graduate from high school, attend and graduate from college and develop a career.  This support system steers them towards independence.

The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony provides music education and opportunities to a diverse population of school age children.  The Richard Merkin Middle School provides students with a safe and supportive learning environment that promotes academic excellence, social responsibility, and college readiness.  Preparing students for success at higher educational levels is their mission.

Dr. Merkin is dedicated to actively supporting these organizations. "I will always be a part of raising money for my children's charities. There is nothing more important to me than focusing on access to a quality education and helping these organizations serve the underprivileged Los Angeles children," said Dr. Merkin. "Our future depends on our ability to educate and serve our youth; it is our most critically important cause."

Among the guests who attended were former California Governor Gray Davis, former Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, who served four terms as Wisconsin Governor, US Ambassador Frank Baxter and Michael Milken.

About Heritage Provider Network

Heritage Provider Network, Inc. (HPN) is on the cutting edge of the accountable care model of health care delivery: coordinated, patient-doctor centric, integrated health care systems that represent the future of health care in the United States. HPN develops programs and services that are responsive to the healthcare needs of today's patient. HPN designs its networks to offer patients a comprehensive range of medical care in convenient locations.  It organizes and manages medical groups and independent practice associations, integrating with hospitals and ancillary care providers. This system represents a workable, successful business model that has been duplicated with medical groups, IPAs and medical facilities throughout California.  HPN is dedicated to quality, affordable health care and putting patients' wellness first.

SOURCE Heritage Provider Network, Inc.