Sep 11, 2009
Son-In-Law To Cripple The Deck For MS
Karen E. Butler, Vice President of Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Son-In-Law To Cripple The Deck For MS
Charity Poker Event Raises More Than $100,000 Over Five Years
STRATFORD, Conn. - The sixth annual Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, at TJ's Restaurant in Port Chester, N.Y. Last year’s tournament raised $25,000 to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter and the thousands of Connecticut residents battling the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis. Over the past five years, the annual event, coordinated by Jason D’Aloia, has raised more than $112,000.
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| Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament organizer Jason D’Aloia, his mother-in-law Janice Turek and Dennis Baltz, winner of the 2008 tournament, take a moment to pose after the final table. |
D’Aloia, a Stratford resident, established the tournament in 2004 in honor of his mother-in-law, Janice Turek, who lives in Enfield. Turek was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 11 years ago.
“This all began as a Christmas gift,” said D’Aloia. “I gave my mother-in-law a letter one Christmas informing her that a charity poker tournament was going to be held in her honor to help find a cure for MS. After witnessing her strength in fighting the disease, I knew a fun poker tournament would be a wonderful way to show our support as a family. I’m amazed at the growth and success of this tournament.”
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Turek, live with the unpredictable and baffling effects of multiple sclerosis. The cause is unknown, and, as a result, there currently is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. Funds raised through events, such as the Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and the continuation of programs and services provide by the chapter to Connecticut residents living with multiple sclerosis.
The Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament has received national recognition and worldwide sponsorship, including Cardplayer.com, Full Tilt, World Series of Poker Academy, Foxwoods, Sam Adams, La-Z-Boy, the New York Knicks, the David Wright Foundation, the New York Giants, the New York Jets, ESPN and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers to name a few. Professional poker player Andy Bloch has contributed to the event for the past four years and will again be on hand this year. His involvement and that of many other poker professionals, like 2004 World Series of Poker Champ Greg Raymer, Antonio Esfandiari and local pro Matt Matros, has helped to bring recognition to the tournament.
“New York Knicks fan favorite John Starks played in last year’s event as did sports guru Howie Schwab from ESPN played last year,” said D’Aloia. “Special guest Goumba Johnny from WKTU 103.5 has been with the event for the past four years and is a fantastic asset to the event.”
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| Players in action at the final table of the 2008 Turek Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament. |
This year’s celebrity guests includes Farah Fath, who portrays Gigi Morasco on the ABC daytime soap opera One Life to Live; and John-Paul Lavoisier, who plays Rex Balsom across from Fath on One Life to Live.
“The event promises to be both lively and very competitive,” said D’Aloia. “The winner will receive a World Series Poker Seat worth $10,000 where he or she will have an incredible opportunity to win millions.”
The event features an open bar. There is a $200 donation to register to play and $20 donation for spectators. Check-in begins at 10 a.m along with a complementary continental breakfast. The game begins at 11 a.m. sharp. TJ's restaurant is located at 225 Westchester Ave. in Port Chester, N.Y. For more information on the 2009 Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament, contact Jason D'Aloia atmscharitypoker@yahoo.com or visit www.mscharitypoker.com.
For more information on multiple sclerosis and vital programs and services offered by the Connecticut Chapter, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org or e-mail programs@ctfightsMS.org.
9/11/09
Karen E. Butler
Vice President / Communications
kbutler@ctfightsMS.org
work: +1 860.714.2300, ext. 230
cell: +1 860.997.4487
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