BERMUDA taxpayers have helped fund a lavish charity gambling tournament at the notorious Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles ¿ with the proceeds going to an organisation run by the Premier's son.

But even though the Ministry of Tourism provided one of the top prizes for the third annual Urban Health Institute Celebrity Poker Tournament, the Ministry's "Feel the Love" logo failed to appear on any of the promotional material publicising the event.

Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown ¿ who celebrated his 62nd birthday at the weekend ¿ is believed to be among those who attended Saturday's glitzy romp, along with actor and renowned poker player Don Cheadle, reality TV star Khloe Kardashian and former World Series of Poker champion Jamie Gold.

Host and soft-porn magnate Hugh Hefner was also photographed at the star-studded shindig, accompanied by one of his three girlfriends, Holly Madison, co-star of the reality TV show Girls Next Door.

The event was organised to raise funds for the Urban Health Institute ¿ a California-based charity that provides free health care, equipment and advice to the disadvantaged. It was set up by Los Angeles-based physician Dr. Kevin Brown ¿ the eldest of the Premier's four sons.

In an information package promoting the extravaganza to sponsors, the Urban Health Institute states: "This charitable event offers guests the opportunity of a lifetime. A night at the legendary Playboy Mansion, mixing and mingling with celebratory actors, athletes, musicians, and of course, the beautiful Playboy Playmates as they test their skills in a Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament and other casino games, all while supporting a worthy cause.

"Your sponsorship will help fund the Urban Health Institute's numerous services, including monthly health education seminars, quarterly health fairs and the purchase of medical supplies for underserved communities locally and abroad."

The sponsorship package, which is illustrated with photos of busty 'bunny girls', also points out to sponsors the benefits of funding the event, including "four body-painted models branded with company logo", VIP tickets, and attendance at a "pre-event cocktail reception and Playmate guided tour of the grounds".

The package also features the logos of a number of signed up sponsors, including OhMiBod ¿ a company which produces vibrators and other sex products ¿ brewers Budweiser and Remy Martin, and energy elixir manufacturer "Monster". There was no evidence of either the Bermuda Ministry of Tourism or its slogan ¿ "Feel the Love" being displayed on any of the promotional literature or advertising hordings.

A separate press release produced by co-organiser Yvette McNally said: "On Saturday night, May 17, 2008, what happens at Vegas stays at Beverly Hills' famed Playboy Mansion when the Urban Health Institute presents its Third Annual Celebrity Poker Tournament and Casino Night.

"$50,000 worth of prizes, beautiful Playboy bunnies, the most recognisable sports and entertainment personalities and authentic Vegas-style competition will make this night an unforgettable experience ¿ all for a worthy cause.

"The grand-prize winner will be awarded a coveted seat in the World Series of Poker main event in Las Vegas, including airfare and hotel accommodations. Second- and third-place winners will receive a dream vacation for two to Bermuda (hotel and airfare included) and a set of Giovanna Wheels and Koko Kuture Bezel Systems.

"Confirmed celebrity participants include Don Cheadle, Anthony Anderson, Idris Elba, Dondre Whitfield and Salli Richardson Whitfield, Aaron McGruder, Glynn Turman, Claudia Jordan, Tommy Ford, Olivia Brown, Mellyssa Ford, Antonio Pierce (NY Giants), '80s R&B heartthrob and radio personality Al B. Sure, Carl Payne, Chris Spencer, Kevin Hart, Mad Mike (MTV's Pimp My Ride), F. Gary Gray (Film Director ¿ The Negotiator, The Italian Job), 104.3 My Fm's Valentine, KTLA's Mark Kristi, and the Brunson Family (professional poker players) among others. Special celebrity guest DJ Spinderella will provide the soundtrack for the night, aided by a special performance from So So Def Recordings artist J-Kwon.

"The stakes are high and seats are filling quickly, but not just with celebrities. If amateur poker players have $1,500 to buy in and the skills to compete, they may earn bragging rights for besting a Hollywood heavy-hitter or a real pro. Or, participants can contribute $500 and try their luck at roulette, craps, blackjack and other casino games for great prizes, as the grounds of the Playboy Mansion are transformed into a Vegas Casino for one magical night.

"There's a silent auction where attendees can bid on fabulous signed memorabilia, trips for two, jewellery, spa packages and much more hosted by Bang the Gavel. Jamie Gold will auction off a private poker lesson, and ticketed guests are automatically entered to win a VIP Mandalay Weekend Package which includes two premium tickets to the Judah vs. Mosley bout, as well as accommodations and dinner at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.

"Dr. Brown and his Urban Health Institute colleagues organised this event at the Playboy Mansion in an effort to bring visibility to their imperative work, while offering potential donors a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 'The work we do is hard and sometimes discouraging when we are limited by lack of funding,' said Dr. Brown. 'Creating an opportunity for folks to experience the Playboy Mansion, play an exciting game and mingle with stars is great incentive beyond supporting a worthy cause.'

"Last year's event helped support UHI's recent medical mission to remote Nigerian villages, as well as ongoing local health clinics and fairs."

Speaking to the Mid-Ocean News yesterday, Ms McNally said Dr. Brown did accompany his son to the event. She also confirmed that the Ministry of Tourism's New York office provided the all-expenses-paid trip to the island as a prize and that she liaised with office chief Emily-Gail Dill. She added that the Ministry provided the same package as a prize for auction at last year's event.

But when asked why the Tourism Ministry or Bermuda was not highlighted as one of the main sponsors, she replied: "Um, I guess we just didn't discuss it."

When questioned by this newspaper as to why Bermuda did not feature prominently as a sponsor, Ms Dill initially directed all questions to Government's Department of Communication and Information. When pressed, she said that inquiries should be made to the Premier's personal press secretary, Glenn Jones.

The Mid-Ocean News e-mailed Mr. Jones yesterday afternoon, asking why the island was not promoted at the event. We also asked how much the Bermuda vacation prize cost the taxpayer, if the Ministry of Tourism paid for Dr. Brown's trip and whether the event was suitable to market Bermuda. Mr. Jones did not respond to the questions by press time last night.