( PRWEB ) January 2, 2007 -- The Small Town Poker Tour (STPT) will kick off round one of 2007 STPT Pro Am Series, January 17 in Lafayette, Louisiana, at the Heymann Center.

The tournament is open to all poker players from around the world. The event winner will move on to the STPT World Pro Am Championships in Las Vegas, take home a $5000 Visa Gift Card and a Championship Ring. Prizes will be given to the top 10 finishers..

"We are eager to bring this event to Lafayette," said Mark Fracalossi, STPT Executive Producer. "Poker is a great sport and I can't wait to see the talented players from the south. Our goal is to raise as much money as possible for the local charities plus give the players a great experience," Fracalossi added.

The proceeds of the event will benefit the United Way of Acadiana. The event is managed locally by STPT Affilate, Texas Hold'em Consultants, a Louisiana licensed tournament provider.

The Small Town Poker Tour is the world's largest amateur poker tour, with emphasis on raising money for charity. This event kicks off the STPT's 2007 American leg of the Small Town Poker Tour World Pro Am Series.

The STPT also lends its hand behind the scenes in many high profile charity, corporate and celebrity events. "We work with many celebrities and charities who want to use poker as a tool to raise money for their cause," Fracalossi said.

The STPT has received endorsements from many professional poker players, associations and charities worldwide. The STPT is an organizational member of the World Poker Association, the governing body for tournament poker worldwide.

To find more information, please visit www.smalltownpokertour.com. To register for the event or receive hotel information, visit