Celebrity-Charity Poker Event at WSOP

The 2009 Ante Up for Africa Celebrity-Charity Poker Tournament now has an officially scheduled date. The star-studded event, held as part of the annual World Series of Poker Tournament and benefitting victims of the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, will take place on July 2nd at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The charity event, a No-Limit Texas Hold’em poker tournament that puts casual and seasoned unknown players side by side with pro athletes, poker stars and Hollywood celebs, was conceptualized by poker pro Annie Duke and Hollywood actor Don Cheadle three years ago. It has since raised a combined total of $2 million. Organizers are hoping for an even bigger turnout than in previous years thanks to its being broadcast live on ESPN for the first time.

Says Duke; “It is an honor and very exciting to have ESPN turn the cameras on for our event. This will make great strides in raising awareness about this ongoing crisis.”

Cheadle agrees, saying he thanks “everyone who has participated and donated to help us on our mission of bringing the plight of the refugees of Darfur to the forefront of people's minds.”

Among those slated to participate are Matt Damon, Charles Barkley, Sarah Silverman and Phil Hellmuth. The buy-in is $5,000. Interested participants may register up to two weeks in advance at www.worldseriesofpoker.com.

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