Darfur focus of celebrity poker event

HIGHLAND - Poker pro Annie Duke and Academy award-nominated actor Don Cheadle will host a celebrity poker tournament at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino on Thursday to raise money for the Darfur crisis in Africa.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Not On Our Watch Project founded by actors Cheadle, George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt. Its mission is to focus global attention and resources towards putting an end to major atrocities around the world.

The group has adopted the crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan as its inaugural campaign.

"The crisis in Darfur is an issue very close to my heart," Cheadle said in a news release issued by San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino. "San Manuel understands the severity of this crisis and is helping us use the popularity of poker to spread the word."

San Manuel has pledged $75,000 for the cause.

"We are thrilled to be joining forces with Annie Duke and Don Cheadle to support such a worthy cause," said James Ramos, the tribe's chairman. "We hope our efforts will help draw mass attention to this very important issue that affects us all, and inspire others to get involved."

Celebrities and poker professionals will be joining in the event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. with a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament in the casino's Yuhaviatam Room. The invitation-only event is limited to high-stakes players, poker professionals and celebrity poker enthusiasts.

In lieu of a cash prize, the winner will receive a celebrity autographed custom poker table.

News Added: 05 May, 2008

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