In this day and age, it’s always nice to hear a ‘feel-good story’. Dusty Schmidt created one of his own and it’s quite impressive. Dusty ‘Leatherass’ Schmidt completed 30 hours of online poker playing outside, and then proceeded to donate some winnings to the Transition Projects in Portland, Oregon. Schmidt donated $21,000 which will cover furniture, supplies, and six months worth of rent for three homeless people. It’s a great story to hear an individual give back to the less fortunate. In the times we are all going through now, we need more people and stories like this one.

I recently did an article discussing all the big name celebrities that would be attending the PCA main event starting January 5th. Names included Nelly, Montel Williams, and Adrian Grenier of Entourage (just to name a few). People that attend the PokerStars invitation-only event on January 9th will get a special treat as former Destiny Child member Kelly Rowland will be performing. If you don’t get an invitation then maybe you could take some lessons from Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson on how to crash a party.

If you’re looking for extra benefits while you enjoy your online poker experience, then don’t look past PokerStars VIP Club. The PokerStars VIP Club consist of six different levels ranging from novice players all the way to the experts of the game. Levels that can be earned on a monthly basis are Bronze Star, Silver Star, Gold Star, and Platinum Star. The other two ‘clubs’ which include Supernova and Supernova Elite, can be earned by acquiring 100,000 VPPs throughout the year. Points can be redeemed for prizes, and the prize include VIP freerolls, cash bonuses, and loads of goodies from the VIP store. Register today and work your way into one of these elite clubs.

If his last name is any indication of how he plays at the table, then it’s no question why Steve ’gboro780’ Gross won this year’s Card Player Player of the Year Award. This ‘gross’ poker player accumulated over $1.2 million in 2009 which makes him the player to beat heading into 2010. Though Gross wasn’t the top earner this year (djk123 and Jovial Gent topped him), his consistent play throughout the year is the reason he stands atop the leader board. Gboro780 earned over 10,000 points which is the highest point accumulation since the standings began.

People always say that a new year can bring a fresh start, and that’s exactly what PokerStars has in mind. PokerStars is offering you the chance to earn a 25% deposit bonus when you make a real money deposit. All players have to do is make a real money deposit by January 10th (23:59 EST), and use the promotion code ‘2010’. Then once you make this deposit, simply earn 20 VIP Player Points to earn a one dollar of your bonus. Sound easy enough? Make your deposit today, and start your new year off on the right foot.