|
CUTLINE BELOW FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CardPlayer.com and D’Aloia "Hit the River Card" To Raise $20,000 For MS Research STRATFORD, CONN. - The 4th Annual Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament was held on Saturday, Aug. 25, at T & J’s Pizza and Pasta in Port Chester, N.Y. The event raised $20,000 to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter and Connecticut residents battling the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS). The tournament was established in 2004 by Jason D’Aloia, a resident of Stratford, Conn., in honor of his mother-in-law, Janice Turek, of Enfield, Conn., Turek was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis ten 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. The tournament has grown tremendously ever since."
Since the first tournament was held in May of 2004, the event has raised $87,000 to benefit the Connecticut Chapter and those it serves. The tournament has received national recognition and worldwide sponsorship, including Cardplayer.com, World Series of Poker Academy, Foxwoods, Charity Sports Auction and the Bridgeport Soundtigers to name a few. Professional poker player Andy Block donated the grand prize for the past two consecutive years. His involvement and that of many other poker professionals, like 2004 WSOP Champ Greg Raymer, Antonio Esfandiari and Matt Matros, has helped to bring recognition to the tournament. Radio personality and comedian John "Goumba Johnny" Sialiano has also been instrumental to the growth of the annual event. "I am committed to making this event bigger and better every year," said D’Aloia. "My goal is to make this tournament the one that people look forward to year after year and to provide the unexpected." For more information about the 2008 Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament, contact Jason D'Aloia at mscharitypoker@yahoo.com or visit http://www.mscharitypoker.com/. For more information on multiple sclerosis and vital programs and services offered by the Connecticut Chapter, please visit http://www.ctfightsms.org/ or e-mail programs@ctfightsMS.org. 12/10/07 CUTLINE: National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter president Lisa Gerrol (left) accepts a $20,000 check from Jason D’Aloia (far right) and his mother-in-law Janice Turek, who was diagnosed with MS ten years ago. D’Aloia established an annual poker tournament in 2004 to raise awareness and funds. His poker tournament has raised $87,000 since it was first established. Karen E. Butler |
|
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Turek, live with the 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 4th Annual 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.