Nashville, Tenn. (September 23, 2010) – Boasting an exciting evening of casino play, raffles and face time with several Nashville Predators players, The Avenue (120 3rd Ave. S.) is set to host the first annual Play with a Pro charity event, benefiting the Nashville Predators Foundation and Thunder AAA Hockey, from 6-10 p.m. on October 7, 2010.

This inaugural event will feature specialty dinner items provided by Chefs Market, PF Changs, Maggianos, Fiddle Cakes and more, along with a full open bar. Only 250 tickets will be available to this exclusive event and attendees must be 21 years or older. Tickets are $150 and include the opportunity to socialize and play casino games alongside Nashville Predators players. The evening will also afford the lucky ticket holder casino play money, access to silent and live auctions, raffles and complimentary valet parking. Several lucky guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a special “Bucks for Pucks” fundraising initiative. Tickets can be purchased online at nashvillepredators.com/foundation, thunderaaahockey.com and nashvilleeventspace.com.

Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite hockey jerseys and hit the tables alongside some of their favorite Nashville sports stars. Featured games include Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold’em and Craps. Doors open at 6 p.m. and casino tables at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to get your silent auction bid in before the auction closes at 9 p.m.

The event will include extensive live and silent auctions featuring more than 100 items – including memorabilia from NHL, NFL and the music industry as well as gift certificates, spa treatments and themed gift baskets. The premiere auction will feature several high-end items. Proceeds raised by Play with a Pro will benefit the Nashville Predators Foundation and the Thunder AAA Hockey Club.

The Nashville Predators Foundation strives to meet the educational, social, health and cultural needs of the community by offering unique resources and financial support to local youth-oriented organizations. The Predators Foundation has awarded more than $2.5 million in financial grants and donations since its 1998 inception, including more than $300,000 last season to 100 Nashville area organizations. Additionally, the Foundation has provided in-kind donations, including memorabilia and tickets, to hundreds of organizations and fund-raising events. Feature Charities for 2010-11 are: Best Buddies, Girls on the Run, Monroe Harding and Siloam Family Health Center.

The Thunder AAA Hockey Association, established in 2001, provides the best young ice hockey players in the Southeast area the opportunity to compete at the highest competitive level. The primary goal of Thunder hockey is to challenge students/athletes with the highest level of competition, expose them to professional coaching and provide them with opportunities to showcase their skills.