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The two Finalists Agreed to Share the First Place prize, then Donate 100 Percent of the Prize Money to Victims of the Darfur Tragedy in Africa

An astonishing thing happened at precisely 10:40 pm on July 5th, 2007 in Las Vegas. On the tournament floor at the World Series of Poker, with thousands of spectators and a global media watching, two poker players agreed to split first prize in one of the most illustrious poker tournaments ever held. The occasion was unprecedented.

Down to the final two players out of an initial field of 167 entries in what was the most star-studded field in recent memory, Dan Shak stood up from his seat at the table and announced he would donate every cent of any prize money he won to the “Ante Up for Africa” designated charities – the Enough Project and the International Rescue Committee. His opponent sitting across the table was Brandon Moran, who then stood up and announced he too would pledge the same donation – 100 percent of all money won to the charities for Darfur. With that, the tournament abruptly ended and first place was shared by two players – Dan Shak and Brandon Moran. But the real winners of this event will be the victims of the unspeakable tragedy which is currently taking place in the Darfur region of western Sudan in Africa, who are overwhelmed by an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The total amount of money donated from these two champions alone amounted to $386,738.

It all started when Oscar nominated actor Don Cheadle joined with poker pro Annie Duke to launch the “Ante Up for Africa” initiative. With the encouragement and blessing of WSOP Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack, the tournament was added to the schedule at the 2007 World Series of Poker presented by Milwaukee’s Best Light. Participants paid $5,000 each to play in the event. Although no money was held out of the official prize pool, organizers hoped to raise both donations and public awareness for the Darfur region.

When this World Series of Poker finally ends, after all the poker chips have been cashed in , and all the cards have all been dealt out,– each one of us will ultimately be judged not by what we accomplish at the poker table, but rather what we do away from it.

These two outstanding champions, Dan Shak and Brandon Moran, are to be commended for their extraordinary generosity. So too must we acknowledge all the in-the-money finishers in this event and those who posted a $5,000 entry fee.

Finally, Don Cheadle and Annie Duke are to be commended for their inspirational efforts in organizing this unparalleled event on behalf of millions of people in Darfur who desperately need us to know them, to help them, and to never forget them.

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