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Celebrity Charity Blackjack Tournament In Atlantic City: How It Was
The Celebrity Charity Blackjack Tournament was not just about the cards!

Excitement filled the air in Atlantic City as the spotlight shone on the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The occasion was none other than the exclusive Celebrity Charity Blackjack.
Attendees included models gracing the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue pages, adding an extra touch of allure to the event. Accompanying them were celebrated sports icons united in their engagement with the blackjack tables.
Beyond the thrill of the game, their collective intent was to generate substantial funds for charitable initiatives.
Tournament Format
The tournament, held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, was not just any other event. It featured a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models lineup, who had spent their week shooting for the July issue at the same venue.
The shoot was conducted stateside due to the ongoing global pandemic. Despite the chilly weather, with temperatures ranging in the 50s and 60s, the models showcased their professionalism by posing on the beach in front of the hotel.
The blackjack table saw fierce but friendly competition, with celebrities trying to outplay each other. Camille Kostek, who graced the cover of the previous year’s SI Swimsuit issue, emerged as the night’s shining star.
Celebrities on the Event

The Celebrity Charity Blackjack Tournament was not just about the cards; it was also a star-studded affair that added a glint of glamour to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. A unique blend of the modeling world and the sports universe converged at the blackjack tables, all in the spirit of charity and good fun.
From the world of sports, renowned personalities graced the event:
- Andre Dawson: Once a celebrated MLB player, especially known for his time with the Chicago Cubs.
- Wayne Chrebet: The former wide receiver for the NY Jets. Besides trying his hand at blackjack, Chrebet also made a memorable moment by signing a guitar during the event.
- Keith Byars: Former Philadelphia Eagles player. He and Margaret Byars were spotted admiring a themed cake crafted by Thaddeus DuBois, the Executive Pastry Chef of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
The world of modeling was represented by the dazzling faces from the 2021 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue:
- Camille Kostek: Not only did she shine as the night’s winner by clinching the $10,000 prize, but she was also recognized for her appearance on the cover of the previous year’s SI Swimsuit issue.
- Josephine Skriver, Haley Kalil, and Brooks Nader: These models added to the event’s allure with their presence on the blackjack table and during the various activities throughout the week at Hard Rock.
Joe Lupo, the President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, also played a pivotal role by presenting Camille Kostek with the $10,000 donation for The Gronk Nation Youth Foundation.
Celebrities Who Did not Come
While the Celebrity Charity Tournament at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was a starry affair, there were some notable absences. Unfortunately, several celebrities, known for their love of blackjack, couldn’t attend the event. Let’s shed some light on them:
- Ben Affleck: The Hollywood actor and director is known for his skills. Rumor has it he was tied up with post-production work for his latest movie, which kept him from attending.
- Matt Damon: Often seen alongside his buddy Ben Affleck at blackjack tables, Matt was reportedly out of the country for a film shoot, preventing him from joining the tournament.
- Paris Hilton: The socialite, businesswoman, and DJ, known for her love for casino games, was said to be hosting an event in Europe during the same time.
- Sean “Diddy” Combs: The music mogul, often spotted at VIP blackjack tables, was reportedly in the studio working on a new album, making it impossible for him to grace the event.
While these celebrities missed the live action, it’s well known that they often indulge in online blackjack tournaments. For those looking to get a taste of these tournaments, check out this list of the best online blackjack sites in NJ: it offers a comprehensive guide to top-tier virtual experiences, ensuring you’re always in the game, even from the comfort of your home.
Key Moments & Highlights
The Celebrity Charity Blackjack Tournament was not just about the celebrities but also about the thrilling moments and strategies that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Here’s a breakdown of some key moments and highlights that made the night unforgettable:
- The Unexpected Turn: While many assumed that former athletes like Andre Dawson or Keith Byars would leverage their competitive spirits to lead the game, Camille Kostek emerged as the tournament winner. Her keen observation and swift decision-making set her apart.
- Celebrity Strategies: Observing celebrities play blackjack is a treat in itself. While some relied on intuition, others employed tried and tested strategies. Wayne Chrebet, for instance, was seen using a conservative approach initially, only to switch gears and become more aggressive as the game progressed.
- The Double Down Drama: One of the most nail-biting moments of the evening was when Josephine Skriver decided to “Double Down” on a hand where she was dealt an 11 while the dealer showed a 6. The tension in the room was palpable, as doubling down can be a risky move. But it paid off when she drew a 10, making her hand a perfect 21.
- Battling the House Edge: Every player at the table was playing against each other and trying to beat the house. While the house edge in blackjack is generally low compared to other casino games, it still presents a challenge. Keith Byars showed an acute understanding of this, often adjusting his bets and strategy based on the cards on the table and the ones that had been played.
The Beneficiaries: Where the Funds Went
The Celebrity Charity Tournament had two goals. One was to entertain. The other was to help a good cause. The money from the event went to the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation. Camille Kostek won the tournament. She gave her $10,000 prize to this foundation. Superbowl champ Ron Gronkowski leads it.
The foundation promotes youth sports in New Jersey and beyond. Every celebrity, person who attended, and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino helped. They all supported a better future for young people.
FAQs about Celebrity Charity Blackjack Tournament
How often do you hold charity blackjack tournaments?
While the frequency can vary, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City has shown a keen interest in hosting charitable events. Patrons and fans are always encouraged to watch the casino event calendar for announcements.
Can an ordinary casino visitor take part in the tournament?
While the Celebrity Charity Tournament primarily features celebrities, there are often other events where ordinary casino visitors can try their hand at blackjack. Brushing up on your strategy to increase your player advantage before participating is always a good idea.
Does the tournament have any prize pool?
Yes, the tournament had a prize pool, with the highlight being the grand prize of $10,000, which Camille Kostek won. However, the primary focus of such events is charity, ensuring that the funds are directed toward meaningful causes.
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Details about Ryan Walters Wife, Kids, Children, Salary, Net Worth, and Family
Ryan Walters keeps his personal life out of the spotlight.

Ryan Walters is an American educator and politician who has been the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction of Oklahoma since 2023.
He was appointed Oklahoma Secretary of Education from September 2020 to April 2023.
As a result, more people wanted to know about the politician, sparking considerable interest in every aspect of his life. They are especially curious about his wife, children, and net worth.
Here is everything we know about him.
Meet Ryan Walters’ wife
Ryan’s wife’s name is Katie Walters. However, no information on his and his wife’s wedding is accessible.

Ryan Walters taking a selfie with his family (Source: Twitter)
There is also not much information available regarding his wife.
Ryan Walters’ children
Ryan is a devoted husband to his wife, Katie, and the father of four children: Violet, Ella, Benjamin, and Samuel.
There is not much publicly accessible information regarding his children. It appears that he keeps his professional life out of the spotlight.
He tweeted a photo of his family with Santa on December 23, 2022, with the caption, “No woke Santa this year :)”

Ryan Walters with his wife Katie and four children posing for a picture (Source: Twitter)
He, on the other hand, rarely tweets anything about his family on his Twitter account because his Twitter account is overflowing with professional work information.
Ryan Walters’ career as secretary of education
Governor Kevin Stitt nominated Ryan to be Oklahoma’s Secretary of Education on September 10, 2020.
However, on May 2, 2022, The Frontier and Oklahoma Watch reported on a U.S. Department of Education investigation.
It was found that the Bridge the Gap program, overseen by Ryan, lacked adequate safeguards against fraud and abuse, and federal auditors were examining the allocation of COVID-19 relief funds through the program.
Following this, on May 11, 2022, Oklahoma House Democrats called for Ryans’ resignation.
However, the Governor’s office praised Secretary Ryan, highlighting his efforts to empower parents in their children’s education choices and his advocacy for directing funds toward students rather than government-controlled systems.
In 2023, Governor Kevin reappointed Ryan as Oklahoma Secretary of Education. However, on April 11, 2023, the Governor appointed Katherine Curry to take Ryan’s place.
This decision came after Ryan’s’ reappointment confirmation faced obstacles in the Oklahoma Senate, with Attorney General Gentner Drummond informing lawmakers that serving as both Secretary of Education and State Superintendent concurrently was illegal.
Ryan Walters’ past election results
In the 2022 Oklahoma state superintendent race, the Republican primary was highly competitive, with four candidates vying for the nomination.
Ryan emerged as the top contender, securing 41% of the vote, while his closest rival, April Grace, garnered 31%.
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This led to a runoff election between Ryan and Grace, where Ryan secured a decisive victory with 53.4% of the vote. In the general election, Ryan maintained his momentum, ultimately winning the position of state superintendent with 56.8% of the vote.
His Democratic opponent, Jena Nelson, put up a strong challenge, receiving 43.2% of the vote, representing a significant increase for the Democratic Party in this race compared to previous elections.
This electoral outcome marked a Republican gain from the Democratic Party, solidifying Ryan’s role as the Oklahoma state superintendent.
Ryan Walters’ net worth
There is not much information available regarding his net worth or salary. However, according to various sources, his state pay was $40,000.

Ryan Walters applauds during the 2023 State of the State address (Source: KOSU)
Aside from this, there is no additional financial data accessible.
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All About Lil Nas X’s Family – His Siblings, Parents, Nationality, and More
All about Lil Nas X’s family!

Montero Lamar Hill, also known as Lil Nas X, is an American rapper, performer, and songwriter.
He gained notoriety after the release of his country rap ballad ‘Old Town Road,’ which spent 19 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the longest-running number-one song since the category’s inception in 1958.
While Lil Nas X lives a successful life now, it was not always the same. He had a difficult childhood because of his family, mostly because of his parents.
Lil Nas X’s parents split when he was six
Lil Nas X was born on April 9, 1999, in Lithia Springs, Georgia. When he was born, his parents, R.L. Stafford and Shawnita Hathaway, were together.
However, there were a lot of ups and downs in their relationship. As a result, they split when the singer was five years old.

Lil Nas X with his parents. (Source: Twitter)
By the time he was six, his parents had divorced, and his father had moved on with another partner. During that time, Lil Nas X moved into the Bankhead Courts housing project in Atlanta’s Bankhead neighborhood with his mother and grandmother.
When he was 9, his father gained custody of him and his brother, and as a result, the siblings moved in with their dad and relocated to Austell. Although he was initially hesitant to leave, Lil Nas X eventually saw it as a crucial move.
He told Rolling Stone, “There’s so much [expletive] going on in Atlanta—if I would have stayed there, I would have fallen in with the wrong crowd.”
Currently, he does not have a good relationship with his mother. He talked about his family and parents with Variety while explaining his connection with his mother.
His mother is allegedly a drug addict. It was difficult for the singer to deal with her since he had tried to check her into rehab but had failed to do it.
It is reported that Hathaway has been seen begging for money in the streets. He said, “I never really talk about my mom. She’s an addict so we don’t have the closest relationship. Even trying to get her better – things didn’t quite work out. But there’s still love.”
On the other hand, the singer has a good relationship with his father. Since Stafford gained custody of Lil Nas X and his brother, the siblings lived with their father and stepmother.
Lil Nas X was a difficult child from a young age. He told Variety, “I dyed my hair, and my dad was so mad at me.”
This was because his father felt like he was trying to follow in somebody else’s footsteps rather than his own. When Nas X came out to his father, Stafford did not take it well.
Stafford is very religious and used to be a gospel singer. However, when his son came out openly in 2019, he learned to accept his son.
Lil Nas X confirmed that the father-son duo had become closer after he came out. “I mean especially now because I don’t have anything to hide. It was a shock for him. It’s still the beginning phase. I’m not comfortable bringing a guy around yet,” he added.
At the time of writing, it seems like the father-son duo are on good terms and close with each other. Stafford often posts pictures supporting his son and promoting his music.
He often joins the singer during his tours and gushes about how proud he is on his social media. Lil Nas X is also a dotting son.
He bought a house for his father on the occasion of Father’s Day in 2022. Similarly, he openly talks about his love for his father on social media.
Lil Nas X’s siblings
Not much is known about Lil Nas X’s siblings. Some websites have reported that he does not have any biological siblings.
On the other hand, some have mentioned that he has two biological brothers — Lamarco Hill and Tramon Hill.
The singer has a lot of half-siblings from his parents. The half-siblings from his mother are Shaquisha Hill and Bianca Hill.
Similarly, his half-siblings from his father’s side are Robert Sleepy, Ashley Stafford, and Labrock Anderson. While not many specifics about Lil Nas X’s siblings have been given to the public, it is safe to assume that he has had their support from the beginning in all essential situations.
For instance, when he came out to the world on Twitter and required a place to stay when he was at his lowest. Around the time Lil Nas X came out publicly in 2019, he started mentioning more of his siblings and their support for him.
In another interview, he revealed that he came out to his father and sister first after originally fearing that coming out would harm his career. Later that month, he tweeted about his life before stardom, which included living with his sister.
He tweeted in July 2019, “Wow man last year I was sleeping on my sister’s floor, had no money, struggling to get plays on my music, suffering from daily headaches, now I’m gay.”
Lil Nas X has also served as an inspiration to his siblings. For instance, his brother, Tramon, revealed that the singer helped him come out as bisexual.
He said, “My brother really opened doors for a lot of people. Yeah, he opened a door for me.”
While Hill was concerned about how his choice to come out publicly would affect numerous relationships in his life, his brother urged him to be honest.
“What I mean by that, like, I’m not gay, though, you feel me? I’m bisexual. He helped me be real with myself. My brother made me more open to it,” Tramon added.
Lil Nas X’s age, nationality, and ethnicity
Lil Nas X was born on April 9, 1999. At the time of writing, his age is 24.
Since he was born in Lithia Springs, Georgia, his nationality is American. His ethnicity is African-American.
Lil Nas X has garnered multiple awards for his unapologetically queer visuals and social media presence, including two Grammy Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards, two BET Hip Hop Awards, two iHeartRadio Music Awards, and two American Music Awards.
He was also named the youngest honoree of the Hal David Starlight Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. With 17 platinum certifications, ‘Old Town Road’ is the second most-certified song in the United States.
In 2020, he was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and in 2021, he was named to Time’s annual list of the 100 most important people in the world.
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Gift Ideas for the Ultimate Sex and the City Fan: Hotspots Bus Tours
With the boom of experiential gifting, it’s no wonder people are shifting from presenting tangible items to unforgettable experiences.

There’s something to be said about the joy and memories that come from living through an event rather than merely owning a thing. And what better way to gift a die-hard “Sex and the City” fan than with a hotspot bus tour?
Dive into the world of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda, and let the city that never sleeps become the backdrop of your gift.
See the City Through Carrie’s Eyes
Carrie Bradshaw’s love for NYC is palpable in every episode. The hotspot bus Sex and the City New York tour allows fans to witness firsthand the glamorous locations she frequented – from her iconic brownstone apartment to her favorite boutiques. It’s a walk (or ride) down memory lane, where you’re not just watching a series but reliving its moments.
The Allure of Magnolia Bakery
Who could forget the scenes at Magnolia Bakery? Relish in the moments shared between the girls while sipping on your coffee or biting into a delightful cupcake. The hotspot bus tour ensures you don’t miss this iconic bakery and the essence it brings to the series.
Dress Like Samantha Jones
One of the tour stops was a famous boutique where the girls often shopped. Fans get a chance to try on outfits reminiscent of the ones worn by the sassy Samantha Jones. From power suits to sultry dresses, channel her confidence and style.
Relive Charlotte’s Art Gallery Days
As we traverse the city, the tour pays homage to Charlotte’s profession with a stop at an art gallery akin to the one she worked at. Fans can indulge in the city’s rich art culture while reminiscing about Charlotte’s journey of finding love and herself amidst these canvases.
Cocktails at Scout
No “Sex and the City” experience would be complete without visiting a bar reminiscent of Scout, the place co-owned by Aidan and Steve. With the hotspot bus tour, fans can toast to friendship and love, evoking memories of the series’ heartwarming and heart-wrenching scenes.
An Emotional Stop at the Bridge
The moment Carrie gets her ‘lightbulb moment’ about Big and the love she feels for him happens at a bridge. This is not just any bridge but a symbol of many turning points in the series. The tour captures this emotion, allowing fans to pause, reflect, and even dream a little about their own love stories.
The Magic of Central Park
Central Park plays host to countless moments in the show. From Miranda jogging to clear her head to Big proposing to Carrie on a snow-covered bridge, the park stands as a silent testament to their stories. A hotspot bus tour will guide fans through these renowned spots, allowing them to feel the serenity and charm of Central Park while retracing the steps of their favorite characters.
The Vibrant Streets and Chic Boutiques
“Sex and the City” wasn’t just about the characters but also the pulse of New York City. The streets, bustling with life, saw our favorite quartet shopping, dining, and navigating their way through love and life. The hotspot bus tour offers fans the chance to soak in the ambiance of these streets. From upscale boutiques where Carrie splurged on Manolos to charming diners where the group often met, this journey brings fans closer to the show’s authentic NYC experience.
Summation: The Best of Both Worlds
Gifting a “Sex and the City” hotspot bus tour is not just about locations, but a journey of friendship, love, and life in the bustling heart of New York. It combines the tangible and the intangible, offering not just sights but memories and feelings. For the ultimate fan, it’s not just a tour but an experience that melds fiction and reality, ensuring they’ll cherish it forever.
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