In recent weeks I have heard nothing in the poker world apart from Joan Rivers, Annie Duke and their showdown on the Celebrity Apprentice 2. Unlucky for Annie she missed out on getting ‘hired’ by Donald Trump however her appearance on the show has turned her into a household name and the raised the profile (an infamy) of professional poker.
Although losing to her Celebrity Apprentice nemesis, there has been a win on Annie’s behalf with her charity Refugees International receiving flowing publicity based on her new found celebrity status.
The Poker Pros Ante Up For Africa
Ante Up For Africa is another organization which was established in 2006 by Duke along with Norman Epstein and actor Don Cheadle aims to raise funds for the humanitarian crises in Darfur, Sudan where people are being violently attacked by militants and left homeless and displaced.
In order to raise funds, a $5,000 buy in event will be held July 2nd as part of the 2009 World Series of Poker at the Rio in Las Vegas, with several of the contestants from the show throwing their support behind the cause and signing up.
Financial Success for Aid
To date, the organisation has raised over $2 million however Nevada gaming laws prohibit the entry fee’s being donated directly to charity therefore most people who finish in the money donate a proportion or sometimes all of their winnings to cause.
Primetime TV Spot Announced - August 11, 2009
This year the event has managed to snag a spot on primetime TV and will air on ESPN on Tuesday August 11. Be sure to tune in to catch celebrities including Matt Damon, Brad Garrett, Jason Alexander and Hank Azaria as well as all your favorite poker pro’s at the felt, however if you are interested in watching the action live or competing in the five hour event then make your way to Vegas on July 2nd and support this worthy cause.
– Pkr Grl
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