The inaugural Add On for Autism Charity Poker Tournament to benefit Andra’s Hand Foundation, an organization whose mission is to increase knowledge and public awareness about Autism in South Florida, will take place October 26 at 7:30 p.m. in The Poker Room at Seminole Paradise at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Co-hosted by poker professional Todd Brunson, the tournament will offer a $10,000 top prize and a $1,500 invitation to the World Poker Boot Camp, among other awards.
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects an untold number of Americans. According to the Autism Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network of which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and several states including Florida is a part of, it is estimated that between 1 in 80 and 1 in 240 with an average of 1 in 110 children in the United States have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASDs are reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, yet are on average 4 to 5 times more likely to occur in boys than in girls.
“We are thrilled that The Poker Room at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has graciously agreed to host our very first poker tournament,” said Eric Lazarus, chairman of Andra’s Hand Foundation. “Our goal is to share resources regarding these developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges in children and to provide financial assistance to South Florida families in need. We expect to draw more than150 participants to this first class venue in support of this crucial effort.”
Along with the $10,000* grand prize, the player who knocks co-host and poker ace Todd Brunson out of the Texas Hold ‘em tournament will receive an invitation to the two-day World Poker Tour Boot Camp valued at $1,500. The last woman standing gets a High Heel Poker Tour gift basket. Additional prizes will be awarded. All players will get an autograph and a photo with Brunson.
A $150 buy-in donation will secure a seat in the tournament. During play, there will be an optional re-buy structure for the first three levels with re-buys of $25 and a $50 add-on.
To register for the inaugural Add On for Autism Charity Poker Tournament, please visit www.addonforautism.org . For additional information or sponsorships, please contact Eric Lazarus at 954-410-0202 or at eric@andrashand.org .