Video: San Manuel Casino's Celebrity Poker Tournament Raises Over $500,000 for Ante Up For Africa

SAN MANUEL INDIAN NATION, Calif., May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night, professional Poker player Annie Duke and Academy Award nominee(R) Don Cheadle, hosted the Ante Up for Africa celebrity Poker tournament and exclusive VIP after party at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino to raise awareness and funds for the Darfur crisis in Africa. Together with San Manuel's $500,000 donation and the proceeds from the silent auction, which totaled over $4,000, they were able to raise a significant financial contribution for the Not On Our Watch project.

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"When I heard about San Manuel's decision to increase the donation to $500,000, I couldn't believe it," said Don Cheadle, co-founder of Ante Up For Africa. "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." Poker professionals and celebrities alike were all-in for the Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament. Aside from Duke and Cheadle, other celebrities and Poker pros included Willie Garson from "Sex and the City"; Josh Malina from "The West Wing"; Tia Mowry, of "Sister Sister; Scott Ian of "Anthrax"; LA Dodgers James Loney, Scott Proctor and Gary Bennett; Howard Lederer ,two-time World Series of Poker Champion; and Poker Pros, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Phil "The Unabomber" Laak, and Andy Block.

In a generous gesture, winner of the tournament, Bill Pedigo, of AEG Worldwide, decided to donate his win to the second place winner, a regular casino Poker customer, who wished to remain anonymous. The lucky customer took home the celebrity and poker professional autographed custom poker table, courtesy of the casino.

Annie Duke will also be making another appearance at San Manuel on Wednesday, May 14, when she hosts an intensive day of Advanced Texas Hold'em Poker training. Seating is limited to the first 60 people. Tickets are still available at the San Manuel Box Office for $500 each.

After the tournament, the poker pros and celebrities signed autographs and joined other VIP's to celebrate the grand opening of the casino's chic and trendy new steakhouse/ultra lounge, "The Pines". Opening to the public at 5 pm today, "The Pines" is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, 5pm to 10pm. Then "The Pines" is transformed into an ultra lounge for late night fun, open Thursday through Saturday 10pm to 3am.

For photos from this event, please contact Priscilla Sohn.

About San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino

San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino is Southern California's one-stop destination for entertainment and fun. The casino is just 70 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and a short drive from LA-Ontario International Airport. Guests enjoy 3,500 of the latest slots, live poker and Vegas-style blackjack, high-limit gaming, high-limit stakes bingo, incredible entertainment, sumptuous dining and generous player's reward program. Owned and operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the casino has been providing fun and excitement since 1986. Since that time, players have received over $2 billion in cash, prizes and giveaways, making any visit to San Manuel an exciting and memorable experience. For more information on San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino, please visit their Web site at http://www.sanmanuel.com or call 800-359-2464.

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     Press Contact:
     Priscilla Sohn
     San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino
     psohn@sanmanuel.com
     (909) 382-2222 x271

     Karen A. Williamson
     W-W Public Relations
     Karen@WWPublicRelations.com
     (312) 602-5352