11 Aug 09
Ante Up For Africa Raises $600k
Even though WSOP was still running at the time, top pros and poker fans found time to take part in one of the biggest charity events of the year and help raise $600k for charities providing aid in Darfur.
While the WSOP was still running, a total of 137 players found time to play in the Ante Up For Africa charity tournament. Being one of the biggest charity events of the year, it has become just as important
as any other event on poker pros' schedule - not because of its prize
pool but because of its good cause.
Founded by actor Don Cheadle, poker player Annie Duke (pictured right) and Norman Epstein, Ante Up For Africa helps bring more attention to the crisis in Darfur as well as fund the
work of
charities that provide aid and assistance to the survivors in that
region.
$2.5 million raised since 2007
The Ante Up For Africa WSOP charity tournament proved to be a huge success, as both top pros and celebrities such as Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Mike Tyson and others joined to play for a good cause. The tournament helped raise $600,000 which will be donated to three charities providing aid in Darfur.
"The Crisis in Darfur is not over and we're grateful to all who participate in Ante Up For Africa to make these donations possible and hope that many more people will join us in the future," said Don Cheadle (pictured right).Ante Up For Africa has successfully raised $2.5 million for the cause since its foundation in 2007. Annie Duke commented: "When we started Ante Up, we had no idea that so many people would respond and participate to combat the devastation in Darfur. It reaffirms our belief in humanity and drives us to do more for people in need."
