Ante up for Africa Poker Event Earns Half a Million for Charity

May 22 - Poker legend Annie Duke and Hollywood personality, Don Cheadle teamed up a few years ago to create Ante up for Africa, regular poker events that attract stars and players, for the express purpose of making money to send to charity relief organizations.

Last week, the pair were ecstatic with the sum that was earned at the latest Ante up for Africa event held at the San Manuel Casino near Los Angeles California. Thanks to the generosity of the stars and players, and with a wonderful top up by the San Manuel Casino itself, $500,000 will be sent to Africa for Darfur relief.

Don Cheadle, who holds these charity event issues very close to his heart said: "When I head about San Manuel's decision to increase the donation to $500,000, I couldn't believe it. I am so very grateful to them for their generosity and for helping us continue to bring the plight of the refugees of Darfur into the light."

Some of the celebrities who helped make the event so successful included poker greats Chris Ferguson, Phil Laak, Howard Lederer and Andy Bloch. Actors included Willie Garson ("Sex and the City"), Scott Ian ("Anthrax") and Josh Malina ("West Wing").

The next Ante up for Africa event promises to be a star-studded happening, if last year's event is anything to go by. Scheduled to take place during the course of the World Series of Poker tournament on July 2nd, the event will attract some of the biggest names in the poker industry and Hollywood.

In attendance at last year's Ante up for Africa WSOP event were Ben Affleck, Adam Sandler, Matt Damon and a host of others.