Stars of Philanthropy and Entertainment Turn Out for Dr. Richard Merkin, President and CEO, Heritage Provider Network, 2011 Poker Tournament for Children's Education

MARINA DEL REY, Calif., Aug. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Richard Merkin, President and CEO, Heritage Provider Network sponsored an evening with the stars of philanthropy and entertainment to raise money for The Richard Merkin Middle School, Alliance for College Ready Schools, and the United Friends of Children, Dr. Merkin's Children's Charities. The third annual Texas Hold'em poker tournament event at the Beverly Hills Hotel, provided the opportunity for players to play against poker pros 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.

"I think the future of our country is education," said Dr. Merkin. "If we don't provide education to our youth, we have a very limited future. I'm dedicated to ensuring these opportunities to as many young people as I can. We hope to raise over $1 million dollars tonight and I'm very pleased we will be able to help our youth."

Sharing his views were the many guests attending including philanthropists Eli Broad, Michael Milken, Mayor Richard Riordan, celebrities Dennis Haysbert, Kelly Hu, Matt Craven, Richard Karn, Powers Boothe, James Remar, Gabriel Aubry, Vinnie Jones and Chris Rich. Governor and Mrs. Michael Leavitt and Governor and Mrs. Gray Davis were also among the 200 guests.

Poker pros Jerry Yang (2007 World Series of Poker Champion) and Maria Ho, (last woman standing at the 2007 World Series of Poker Tournament) both gave players inside tips, but it was Topper Mortimer who won the grand prize. "This is the best charity event on the planet," said Mortimer. "I won by sheer luck, and am very happy to be here."

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. (www.merkinms.org)

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.(www.laalliance.org)

United Friends of the Children, through their Housing and Education Programs provides 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. (www.unitedfriends.org)

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. (www.heritageprovidernetwork.com)

SOURCE Heritage Provider Network, Inc.