Montel Williams(credit: Montel Williams Show - Official Web Site)
Montel Williams, popular talk show host, former Navy man and current MS survivor, is also one good poker player. Last year he was among the last celebrities standing at the WSOP Main Event. Williams, who will air his final episode of the long-running talk show that bears his name later this week, is a staunch advocate for folks with Multiple Sclerosis. He started The Montel Williams MS Foundation in October 2000 to push forth “scientific study” of the debilitating condition which affects millions worldwide.
On March 13, 2008 the foundation held a celebrity-pro poker tournament. They also included an online auction (you can still donate via charityfolks.com) ‘til April 2, 2008.
The poker tournament was apparently a big success. Emme Aronson, the first plus-sized ‘supermodel’ and actress Robin Givens emceed the event, which was held at Cipriani’s Restaurant in Manhattan. Annie Duke, Susie Isaacs, Chip Jett, Jamie Gold and Freddy Deep lended their support and played in the tournament. In the end, Anand “Victor” Ramdin, former WPT Foxwoods champ, outlasted all others to take the title. Also making that final table were Beth Fischman (Scott’s sister), poker Hall of Famer Barbara Enright, and Karina Jett.
The next foundation fundraiser will be held on June 6, 2008 at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas as part of The Grand poker series.
Annie Duke plays online at UltimateBet.com. Join today and you can head to the WSOP in 2008 as part of the UB Army. Click here for details!