Montel Williams, a talk show host, author, motivational speaker and philanthropist will lead this year’s activities of Montel Williams MS Foundation Gala and Pro-Celebrity Challenge. This year celebrity poker tournament will be held on New York City on Thursday, 13th of March 2008. The festivities on Cipriani 42nd Street will take place after a cocktail reception, dinner and presentation of awards.

Montel Williams, a celebrity poker enthusiast and advocate of against MS or multiple sclerosis, will host the celebrity poker tourney. Montel Williams MS Foundation was established in October 2000 to provide financial support for organizations that are conducting research for multiple sclerosis and finding cure for debilitating disease.

The night’s activities will have a Roaring ‘20s era as theme and the presentation of award to CEO Billy Tauzin of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). It is PhRMA’s goal to make sure that new researches are made to find treatment against multiple sclerosis and to save lives of those afflicted with the disease. Since undergoing public in 2000, announcing that he is afflicted with multiple sclerosis Williams were since then been seen active in increasing public awareness about multiple sclerosis. He is serving as national spokesperson of PhRMA.

Aside from Williams, Emme and Robin Givens will host the festivities, which will include live performances, special guest appearances, poker tutorials, celebrity tournament and exciting prizes. Popular professional players including Robert Williamson III, Mary Jones, Anne Duke, Freddie Deeb, Scott Fischman, Susie Isaacs, Chip Jett, Russ Hamilton, Karina Jett, Barbara Enright and Marsha Waggoner are expected to attend the event.

Aside from professional players, invited celebrities that will grace the event are not yet named. Tina Bergstrom, columnist for PokerNews will run the poker event along with Dianna Donofrio, Janis Sexton, Kyle Morris and Kosta Trigazi.

Here’s the complete schedule for the Montel Williams MS Foundation Gala and Pro-Celebrity Challenge:

Registration for Poker tournament – 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm Cocktail Reception – 5:30 pm Presentation of Awards – 6:45 pm Poker Celebrity Tournament – 7: 15 pm Entertaining, Dancing and Buffet Dinner – 7:15 pm

Those interested to join the poker tournament should register by March 10, 2008 to reserve slot because limited slots are available for the poker challenge.

Ticket events are priced starting at one thousand dollars and this can be obtained at www.montelms.org or through phone numbers 212-843-1745.

Here’s the inclusive list of various participating levels you can choose from:

Reservation Packages are Royal Flush Package, Straight Flush Package, Four of a Kind Package, Full House Package and Flush Package.

Royal Flush is priced at $ 100,00, Straight Flush at $ 75,000, Four of A Kind at $ 50,000, Full House at $ 25,000 and Flush Package at $ 10,000.

Meanwhile, individual tickets are categorized into three- Premium, Preferred, and Limited.

Premium Tickets can be avail at $ 5,000, Preferred Tickets at $ 2,500 and Limited Tickets at $ 1,000.