A big part of the fun of a CSOP event is playing with celebrities and trying to collect those celebrity bounty packages. The first player to bust each of our celebrities gets a package that can include gift certificates and prize packages from our sponsors. We want to thank our celebrity bounties for tonight for helping make these events so much fun.
Ben Ludlow (Emcee)
Ben Ludlow is an Ivy-league educated fellow who decided that gambling for a living and trying
his hand at stand up comedy made more sense than a solid career path and a six
figure salary. He’s hilarious on the mic and a beast at the tables, so it’s hard to question his
decisions so far!
MELISSA ARIAS
Melissa Arias is the Executive Director of HCF. Since 2013, Melissa has led fundraising
and scholarship initiatives, helping young students achieve their dreams. With a background in
nonprofit leadership—including seven years at the American Cancer Society—she brings a
wealth of experience and dedication to supporting meaningful causes. Melissa is a proud
graduate of Leadership Las Vegas and holds a Master’s in Public Administration from UNLV.
We’re honored to have her with us tonight
TOM GORBALL
Tom Gorball, Director of Food And Beverage at Sunset Station Hotel and Casino. With nearly 40 years of experience in the F&B industry, Tom has held leadership roles at major properties, MGM Resorts and played a key part in opening new venues nationwide. He’s a dedicated mentor, supporting future hospitality leaders through HCF’s mentoring program and other local initiatives. We’re honored to have Tom join us tonight.
GREG VAN STONE
Greg Van Stone is VP of Food And Beverage at Palms Casino Resort. With over thirty years of senior leadership experience in F&B, casino, and hospitality management, Greg oversees twelve restaurants, bars, and lounges, supporting more than 500 team members. Greg has played key roles at major
properties including MGM Grand Las Vegas, MGM Grand Detroit, Beau Rivage, Maryland Live
Casino, and Waldorf Astoria Orlando, and has led the opening of four casino properties.
Passionate about making a positive impact, Greg joined HCF to help strengthen our community.
ROBERT CHITI
Robert Chiti is the Director of Hotel & Guest Relations at Tao Group Las Vegas. A proud UNLV
graduate, Robert brings eighteen years of hospitality experience and currently serves as the key
liaison between Tao Group and Sands Corporation, supporting renowned venues like TAO and
LAVO Restaurant, TAO Beach Day Club, and TAO Nightclub. Robert is passionate about making
a difference and is eager to see the impact of the funds raised on young people’s lives.
BRUCE BELCHER
Bruce Belcher is the Regional VP of Human Resources for the West at Southern Glazer’s Wine &
Spirits. Prior to Southern, he spent 21 years with MGM Resorts. A proud UNLV alum
with both a BS in Hotel Management/Administration and an MBA, and a longtime Las Vegas
resident, he’s deeply committed to the community. We’re honored to have him with us tonight in
support of this charity event.
KANE HODDER
Kane has been a stuntman in the movie business for decades and also played Jason Voorhees in
several Friday the 13th movies and even a video game. When he’s not out looking for victims at
Crystal Camp Lake, he enjoys coming to Vegas to hit the poker tables and support all the
charity events he can!
PETER MACKENZIE
Peter Mackenzie is an actor with an extensive resume, but is best know for his roles in Black-
ish, Trumbo, Project X, and Herman’s Head. He’s also a serious poker poker and has
already made one final table at the Charity Series of Poker, so watch out for him at the tables. Thanks for joining us, Peter!
KATIE MORGAN
If your man says he doesn’t know who Katie Morgan is, he’s a liar. This adult video hall of
famer achieved crossover fame by having her own HBO show called “Sex Tips” for a decade
and starred in the movie “Zack and Miri Make a Porno”. She’s also a long-time Vegas resident,
a huge poker enthusiast, and loves supporting local nonprofits by showing up for every CSOP
event she can. Thanks for joining us, Katie!
JAMES MCBRIDE
James McBride, VP of F&B for MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, is seasoned leader in the
hospitality industry. James joins us tonight not only as a competitor but as a member of the
Board of Directors for HCF. His commitment to the hospitality industry is well-known; he is a
passionate mentor to the next generation of hospitality leaders, providing resources and
guidance to help students and professionals achieve their dreams.
COLLEEN BIRCH
As the Chairwoman of the Board for the HCF and former COO of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas,
Colleen has nearly three decades of in resort leadership. A proud UNLV Alumna of the Year,
Colleen translates her professional excellence into a passion for the community, steering HCF’s
mission to provide life-changing scholarships and mentorship for the next generation of
hospitality stars.
Joe Ingram
Joe Ingram, also known as “Big Papi” in the hearts of the poker community, is a legendary
content creator, podcaster, and poker player. While he’s best known for playing the four-card
game, he couldn’t resist playing some two-card poker for a good cause tonight.
Brian Kip
Brian Kip took his background in marketing as the head of Wynn Nightlife and turned it
into one of the premier marketing and advertising agencies in Las Vegas, SKC Group. After
attending a CSOP event in 2018, he started donating services and an office to help the CSOP
get to the next level. Kip became Vice President of the CSOP in January 2020. We are forever grateful for what Mr. Kip has done for us. These events wouldn’t be the same without him.
