On May 7, 64 guests will sit down in the new Omni San Diego Hotel to try and corner the real estate market in one night. As a group, these players will raise more than $100,000 to fight America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers: heart disease and stroke.

The players are competing in the American Heart Association’s 2004 Monopoly Night Gala. Led by Event Chair Craig Irving, a principal in Irving Hughes, the 64 guests will challenge other players on one of 16 wooden collector’s edition Monopoly game boards. After round one — dinner will be served between the first two rounds — the remaining 16 players will challenge each other. The four best go on to the championship game. The winner will be congratulated by Mr. Monopoly and get his or her name inscribed on the tournament loving cup, which the winner retains until Monopoly Night 2005.

The 2004 event is being held at the new Omni San Diego Hotel, which hugs the edge of the Gaslamp Quarter and is connected to Petco Park via a pedestrian skywalk. All funds raised from the event will benefit heart disease and stroke research projects.

For information on playing, or signing up as a sponsor, call Bill Navrides, (619) 291-9454.