WSOP Charity Event Raises $500,000 For Darfur Refugees

Annie Duke and Don Cheadle have been working diligently to raise money for refugees of Darfur in the Sudanese Crisis. Their commendable efforts received a much appreciated helping hand this week after the special World Series of Poker "Ante Up For Africa" tournament.

 
With buy-ins of $5,000, 167 players entered the tournament. The payout structure extended to 18 players - 1st place winning $243,893, 18th place $8,928. The charity contribution was boosted significantly when joint winners, Brandon Moran and Dan Shak, graciously gave up their winnings, donating them to the cause.

 

The long list of entrants included both celebrities and big names in the professional poker circuit. These included Ben Affleck, Jason Alexander, Hank Azaria, Charles Barkley, Andy Bloch, Justin Bonomo, Doyle Brunson, Matt Damon, Chris Ferguson, Ted Forrest, Brad Garrett, Willie Garson, Jamie Gold, Barry Greenstein, Joe Hachem, Phil Hellmuth, Howard Lederer, Mekhi Phifer, Adam Sandler, Katja Thater and Jennifer Traniello.