The 13th annual Ante4autism poker tournament held Aug. 21 at the South Point Hotel and Casino’s Grandview Lounge during the Summer Las Vegas Market broke its previous record, raising more than $150,000. This year’s proceeds were donated to Autism Speaks, F.E.A.T. — Families for Effective Autism Treatments of Southern Nevada, Cincinnati Center for Autism, National Autism Association of Southeast Ohio and Rich Center for Autism.
To date, the tournament, founded by industry veteran Doug Krinsky, has raised more than $1 million in support of numerous autism spectrum disorder charities and institutes.
“To be able to create awareness about autism and raise this kind of money to help and support our kids and families through these autism charities is just tremendous,” Krinsky said. “There was a great turnout … (of) celebrities, professional poker players, furniture industry sponsors and many, many local Las Vegas players. (We had) a live auction, a silent auction and plenty of action at the tables. The excitement in the room was felt by everyone.”
This year’s Apollo Jett Grand Champion was Chip Jett, professional poker player and, along with his wife, Karina Jett, an event co-organizer and co-host. The annual award honors the memory of the couple’s young son who had autism.
The event has a large base of support among bedding and furniture industry members, both companies and individuals. For a complete list of supporters and their donations, check Ante4autism.com.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 59 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, which is a neurological and developmental condition that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout a person’s life.
