In the western Sudan, far from the busy city streets and casino floors of Las Vegas, lies Darfur. While all summer long the World Series of Poker claims its share of casualties on the felt, real casualties are claimed every day in Darfur. Lives are being lost, and in frightening numbers. According to the United Nations, upwards of 450,000 have died either from sickness or violence in Darfur, victims of an intense battle between rival factions in Darfur that is leaving the land in a genocidal chaos.

Annie Duke, one of the most recognizable players in the game, decided to do something about the crisis in Darfur. Actor Don Cheadle and Annie sat down and discussed the idea of organizing a charity poker tournament designed to benefit the crisis taking place in Darfur.

Perhaps most notable for his role in the popular film Ocean's Eleven, and its sequels and Hotel Rwanda, Don Cheadle was far from just a celebrity seeking publicity. Darfur is a subject very close to Don's heart. In 2007, Cheadle co-wrote Not On Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond. The book's aim was to educate the world on the crisis in Darfur, urging the public to take action. A percentage of the proceeds from the book are being donated to ENOUGH, a project seeking to end genocide around the world.

It was ENOUGH, a program spawned by the International Crisis Group and the Center for American Progress, that Annie Duke and Don Cheadle sought to benefit, and, in turn, Darfur. Annie met with Harrah's, owners and organizers of the World Series of Poker, to discuss the idea of a charity poker tournament. They were given the green light. The charity tournament went from being just an idea, to becoming a reality, in the form of Ante Up for Africa.

On July 5, 2007, the media swarmed around a red carpet set up just outside the Amazon Room, center stage for the World Series of Poker. Ante Up For Africa was a go, and a wealth of celebrities, professional poker players, and otherwise kind-hearted contestants made their trek to the tables in order to contribute to a fantastic cause.

Just a few of the celebrity and professional players to take their shot at making a difference: Adam Sandler, Annie Duke, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Jason Alexander, Ray Romano, Montel Williams, Jamie Gold, Joe Hachem, Phil Ivey, Phil Hellmuth, Jr., Robert Williamson, III, Donnie Wahlberg, and even basketball superstar and now-commentator, Charles Barkley.

The stars were met with photographers and reporters from every locale, and the local news stations were in full presence. It was clear as soon as the red carpet was laid out that this event was going far from unnoticed. As the stars arrived, spectators were roped off just beyond the stars' entrance to the playing area. A thick swarm of media brandished cameras and microphones and even elbows, doing their best to capture every second for posterity.

"For 38 years the stars have shone brightly on the World Series of Poker," said World Series of Poker Commissioner, Jeffrey Pollack, to a crowd of eager players and to the unbelievable number of spectators that crowded the rails for a glimpse of history in the making. "But tonight, they shine even brighter... [We hope] to keep doing this for many years, but [of course] not a year longer than we have to, until this crisis is over."

167 players took their seats that day. 18 spots would be paid, with more than $240,000 going to first place, and each player pledging to donate at least 50% of their winnings to charity. From the outset, there was spectacular energy, Phil Hellmuth even providing running commentary at the start and finish of the event.

No one expected the kind of incredible turnout this event garnered, not even Norman Epstein, one of the organizers for the event.

"Beyond ecstatic," were the first words Norman used to describe his thoughts on the event, eyes wide and literally jumping with excitement. "When we dreamed this up, that's what it was - just a dream. But we jumped in, and look! Here we are. The response is incredible. Phenomenally, phenomenally exciting and great!"

"You know," said actor Donnie Wahlberg, when asked about his involvement with the tournament. "I was already here in Vegas to play poker, and I thought, 'Why not? Here's a chance to play poker, and help some people that really need it at the same time.' No matter what, it's a win-win situation... even if I lose."

After hours of play that went on even longer than had been expected, only two players remained: Dan Shak, and Brandon Moran. Dan had been on the rails when the final table was down to three, but he doubled up numerous times to escalate from the short-stack to the chip leader.

Then, it was proposed.

"Hey!" Dan shouted to the organizers. "If we agree to just split first and second place, and donate 100% of our winnings, can we both get a necklace?"

Dan was referring to an elegant necklace that was part of a new line of jewelry designed by Poker Pro Robert Williamson III and his wife Cate which debuted at the WSOP and was to go to the winner (or, at least, the winner's wife). At first, there was a pause. The organizers needed to check. Then, soon came a deciding voice from behind the throng gathered around the table to watch the final hands: "Yes!"

And with that, it was done. While Dan Shak had the chip lead at the time of the deal, technically taking first place, he took none of the prize money. Neither did Brandon Moran, for second. Together, the both of them donated the entirety of their first and second place winnings, a total of almost $400,000.

The crowd erupted into applause. Smiles abound, the first Ante Up for Africa had come to a close, and by all accounts was more successful than anyone could have imagined.

"Ladies and gentleman," came the voice of Annie Duke as she took the microphone, beaming. "I want to announce that with those two donations we have raised over $500,000 today! We conceived this idea over lunch in September, and we couldn't possibly have imagined the support we would get. Dan and Brandon, you two are a shining example of what can happen when we put the focus that poker has on resolving the world's problems."

And isn't that what it boils down to? Poker has become an international phenomenon. Millions of people every day participate in a sport that has until just recently been looked at as a back-alley game. But events like this, and Jennifer Harman's recent charity event to benefit the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, prove that poker has the power not only to entertain and richen, but to enlighten, to help, and most importantly, to better the lives of people all over the world.

Annie Van Bebber, founder and editor of PokerCares.com, has a thing or two to say about it.

"Poker used to be green," Annie said, referring to the money that has pervaded the game until recently. But, in devoting her time to taking a game that has a main goal of making people rich, and turning it into a venture for the truly needy, Annie has other plans. "Yes, it is green, but we're turning it red when we show that Poker has a Heart and cares to Give Back."

Ante Up for Africa has proven that poker is a viable, if not essential tool for earning money for charity. It has also shown the world that poker is not just about money. In the end, players from all over the world can come together and play for a fantastic cause. Let us hope that tournaments like these only continue their growth in popularity.

Annie Duke, Don Cheadle, Harrah's, and all players and others involved deserve a special "thank you," for bringing this event to fruition. Let us not forget that in times of need, we can be of more help to those that need it than we may ever realize.

About the Hosts Annie and Don

Read more about Annie http://www.annieduke.com/

Read more about Don http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000332/

Read about the Causes

Our mission is to stop and prevent genocide and mass atrocities by promoting Peace, providing Protection, and Punishing the perpetrators. We use field and policy analysis and strong policy advocacy to empower a growing activist movement for change.
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