Ante Up for Africa to Support Refugees International at Star-Studded Charity Poker Tournament

"We are grateful to Ante Up For Africa for shining a spotlight on the ongoing crisis inDarfur and generating such significant support for the people who have been forced from their homes by this conflict," said Ken Bacon, President of Refugees International. "An event like this makes it possible for Refugees International to continue to demand action from the world's leaders to provide basic assistance and protection to refugees inSudan and around the world."

Ante Up forAfrica is a non-profit organization that raises funds for the survivors of the humanitarian crisis inDarfur, Sudan and to support activism dedicated to resolving this crisis. Its successful charity poker event has raised over $2 million since it began in 2006. Beneficiaries of this year's tournament include Refugees International, the Enough Project and others. ESPN will televise the 2009 Ante Up For Africa Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament on August 11.

"It is important to me to show people that it is possible to make a difference for the people ofDarfur," said Annie Duke, one of the founders of Ante Up forAfrica. "I am thrilled that this event has become such a success and that it will generate support for efforts by Refugees International, the Enough Project and others to end the crisis inDarfur."

In 2009, Annie Duke played for Refugees International on NBC's hit reality show "Celebrity Apprentice." As a contestant on the show, she raised $700,000 for Refugees International.

"We have been privileged to work with Annie Duke and her friends and to witness the incredible generosity of the professional poker community," continued Bacon. "We can't thank Annie enough for her commitment to refugees around the world and for her work for peace and justice."

Refugees International is aWashington, D.C.-based organization that advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises. The organization does not accept any government or UN funding to strengthen the independence of their advocacy. For more information, go to www.refugeesinternational.org.

Ante Up For Africa is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 by Don Cheadle, Annie Duke and Norman Epstein dedicated to raising money and awareness for Africans in need. For more information about Ante Up For Africa, please visit www.anteupforafrica.org.

SOURCE Refugees International

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