Celebrities and Poker Pros Come Together for "Ante Up for Africa" Charity Poker Tournament

Many Hollywood celebrities are expected to join some of the poker industry's top players to help raise money for the ongoing crisis in Darfur.

The poker tournament is titled "Ante Up for Africa" at the 2007 World Series of Poker. The poker tournament, which will be held on July 5, 2007 is organized by Don Cheadle and Poker Pro Annie Duke.

The tournament will be held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada before the 2007 WSOP Main Event begins. Some of the celebrities that will be there are Ben Affleck, Brad Pitt, Jason Alexander, Jennifer Tilley, Hank Azaria, George Clooney, Matt Damon, George Lopez, Danny Masterson, Mekhi Phifer, Ray Romano, Adam Sandler and James Woods.

The poker professionals that have confirmed their participation in the event are Erik Seidel, Howard Lederer, Phil Hellmuth, Phil Gordon, Joe Hachem, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Barry Greenstein, Phil Laak, Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Mike Matusow and Clonie Gowan.

The blind structure designed for the event is like the one that is used for the World Poker Tournament final table with the organizers expecting the event to be finished within 5 hours.

The poker tournament, which has a $5,000 buy-in, is open to anyone who wishes to join the poker games. Participants are also welcome to join the private party at the Voodoo Lounge at the Rio Hotel at 10:00 p.m.

The profits raised at the event will benefit 2 charitable organizations, the International Rescue Committee and the Enough project. Both of these organizations are dedicated to raising money and community awareness for refugees all over the world.

06/07/2007, Thursday
Todd Sanders

Celebrities and Poker Pros Come Together for "Ante Up for Africa" Charity Poker Tournament

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