Brad Garrett Performing at Downstream for Tornado Relief

Quapaw, Okla. - (September 13, 2011) Comedian Brad Garrett pledged to help victims of the May 22 tornado that leveled much of Joplin, Missouri by performing a comedy show, “Rated R for Relief” at Downstream Casino Resort in nearby Quapaw, Oklahoma.  All proceeds from the October 23rd show will go towards helping those devastated by the storm.


Garrett’s comedy career spans three decades and includes work on television, stage, and screen.  His role as Ray Romano’s brother on the long-running hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond earned him three Emmy Awards and five nominations for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy.  He’s made numerous memorable appearances on some of television’s highest-rated shows, including Seinfeld, Roseanne, The Tonight Show, and American Idol.  He will return to his roots as an improvisational comic for “Rated R for Relief”, an adults-only show.


"I'm honored to be involved in helping the good folks of Joplin,” Garrett said, “I can't imagine what they've had to endure, but it's important we continue to offer aid and support as they rebuild their communities and their lives."


Garrett recently helped raise over fifty thousand dollars for Joplin by hosting a charity poker tournament in Las Vegas organized by Epic Poker League and subsidiary Heartland Poker Tour (HPT).  No stranger to poker, Garrett won the fifth season championship of Celebrity Poker Showdown and has competed numerous times in the World Series of Poker.  “Rated R for Relief” is planned as part of HPT’s upcoming tournament series at Downstream Casino Resort.


HPT’s television production crew travels America’s Heartland extensively, and spent time in Joplin during five previous stops at Downstream.  “Devastation in the Heartland concerns us deeply,” said HPT President Todd Anderson, “We are grateful for the opportunity to help our friends in Joplin with their ongoing needs through fundraising and awareness.”  Anderson pledged to donate one percent of the total prize pool generated in HPT’s poker tournament at Downstream October 13-23.  The nationally-televised poker show will also dedicate airtime within the show to bring attention to the cause.  Two one-hour episodes of Heartland Poker Tour will be filmed at Downstream next month and air nationwide in February.


Downstream Casino Resort, located just miles from the path of the tornado, became an important resource center in the wake of the storm.  None of the casino’s employees were injured, but many suffered destruction and loss of property.   The Sunday afternoon tornado exceeded a mile in width as it barreled through the south side of the city.  It claimed 160 lives, making it the nation’s deadliest tornado since 1947, and the 27th deadliest tornado in world history.  Costs to rebuild Joplin are estimated to reach three billion dollars.


“The aftermath of the tornado has been a test of resiliency for our guests, staff, and neighbors,” said Downstream Poker Room Manager Elliott Schecter.   “We are grateful for the generosity of Brad Garrett and our friends in the poker community for recognizing the need for continued support in Joplin.”


Downstream Casino will donate use of their pavilion and coordinate ticket sales for “Rated R for Relief.”  Seats are available for the 18 and over show for $30-$40, with all proceeds earmarked for Joplin.  A VIP package is available for a $60 donation, which includes a ticket and access to a VIP reception where Garrett will be available for photo opportunities.  Additional funds will be raised through the sale of limited-edition, commemorative posters autographed by Garrett.


While in Joplin, Garrett and HPT camera crews will tour areas of devastation and present a check for $52,000 for the funds raised in last month’s Epic Poker League fundraiser.  Annie Duke, Commissioner of Epic Poker League, chose Joplin as the beneficiary of their inaugural charity event because "the community has been through a lot and every dollar raised means the world to them.”  Duke adds, “The poker community is very good at coming together for charitable causes and Brad is someone who has dedicated his time over and over again.”


For tickets and information about “Rated R for Relief” and HPT’s nationally-televised tournament, please visit HPTpoker.com.