Television talk show host Montel Williams is hosting a charity poker tournament and it’s not for the faint of heart, or wallet.

The tourney’s entry fee is a whopping $2,500!

With such a costly buy-in, there’s no doubt a lot of money will be made at the event, which is officially called the Montel Williams Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Gala and Pro-Celebrity Poker Challenge.

According to event organizers, the charity poker tourney is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 13, 2008, at Cipriani restaurant in New York City.

Among the professional poker players scheduled to be on hand for the event are Jamie Gold, Annie Duke, Barbara Enright, Scott Fischman, Russ Hamilton, Freddie Deeb, Susie Isaacs, Karina Jett, Chip Jett, Mary Jones, Marsha Waggoner and Robert Williamson III, event organizers said.

Scheduled to serve as event co-hosts are actress Robin (formerly Mrs. Mike Tyson) Givens and model Emme Aronson, event organizers said.

For those who just want to attend the event but not play poker in the tournament, tickets can be had for a mere $1,000.

For more information about the event, call 212-843-1745.

(E-mail Tom Somach at tomsomach@yahoo.com.) =A0