Las Vegas Weekly

July 3, 2009 · 10:41 AM

Photo Gallery (70 photos!): Stars shine at The Rio for Ante Up for Africa

By Robin Leach

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Actor Don Cheadle, who stars in the upcoming Iron Man sequel, and poker pro and Celebrity Apprentice finalist Annie Duke co-hosted the third annual Ante Up for Africa charity poker tournament yesterday on the eve of the World Series of Poker Main Event that kicks off today.

Before yesterday’s play, the annual fundraiser at The Rio had raised more than $2.1 million since launching in September 2006 to build awareness for the continuing humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan, and to assist those who are victimized by it. Everyone who participated in Ante Up for Africa paid a $5,000 entry fee and was encouraged to donate a portion of winnings to the organization.

In addition to Don and Annie, participants included celebrities and athletes Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Charles Barkley, Jason Alexander, Hershel Walker, Brad Garrett, Cedric the Entertainer, Jennifer Tilly, Sarah Silverman and Montel Williams, poker greats Chris Ferguson, Phil Hellmuth, Joe Hachem, Jennifer Harman and Phil Gordon, and Celine Dion’s husband and manager Rene Angelil.

Final figures from yesterday’s tournament will be announced later today, and we’ll post that on Twitter.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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