MENTONE - For decades, people considered poker players to be degenerates.

But in recent years, the game has changed and become more mainstream. Cable TV shows are devoted to the game, tournaments that once drew a few hundred now bring in thousands, and many spend hours a day playing online.

Further evidence could be found Saturday with a charity tournament to raise money for drug and alcohol addicts - the sort some people might also classify as "degenerates."

And that's not a fair assessment, said Phil Varone, a former drummer with the heavy-metal band Skid Row, which enjoyed its heyday in the 1980s, although he didn't join until 1991.

"Being an addict doesn't mean you are a bad person," said Varone, who has since turned to standup comedy and documentary filmmaking.

He should know. Varone is a former addict.

"I'm here for the charity," said Varone, who had never played before Saturday and could be seen receiving a few lessons minutes before the first cards were dealt. "I don't care about winning. Anything to give back to kids."

About 70 people, including a handful of lesser-known celebrities like Varone, came to play in the $80 Texas No Limit Hold-em tournament at the Mill Creek Cattle Co. Saloon in Mentone.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the Clear View Treatment Center in San Bernardino. The center treats 30 youths at a time in nine-month to yearlong programs. Funds raised Saturday will go to a summer wilderness trip that gives the youths such chances as backpacking or rock climbing.

"I'm so happy," said Jana Martinez, the event's organizer. "It's a great tournament. Everyone is being so generous. It's just a really good vibe."

Dealer Dolls, a Los Angeles-based company that provides dealers, sent out a few carloads of its employees. Several local businesses offered goods or services for prizes.

Ken Lauwers, a huge man with a shaved head, long graying beard and a gravelly voice, also could relate to the kids who will receive the benefits of the fundraiser.

"I went to prison and then rehab and then prison," said Lauwers, 51, of Hesperia. "Eventually, I got cleaned up. This is a good cause."

Laura O'Neal, 24, of Rancho Cucamonga had never played poker until three weeks ago. Her friend knows Martinez, and O'Neal and her friend decided to play.

"We've been playing in the garage since we knew we were coming," she said.

Later this year, Varone said, he will return to the Inland Empire, but not to play cards. He wants to talk to the kids at the center.

"People will listen to someone who has gone through it, especially if they did something cool, like being in a rock band," Varone said. "I just want to help."

Organizers say they hope to make the tournament an annual event.