5 th annual Poker Toutnament raises $ 25,000 for MS !

The 5th Annual Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament was held on Saturday, Nov. 15, at TJ’s Restaurant in Port Chester , N.Y. The event raised $25,000 to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter and residents throughout the state battling the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS). The tournament was established in 2004 by Jason D’Aloia 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, a resident of Stratford , Conn. “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.”
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 5th 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.
Since the first tournament was held in May of 2004, the event has raised more than $112,000 to benefit the Connecticut Chapter and those it serves. The tournament has received national recognition and worldwide sponsorship, including Full Tilt Poker, Samuel Adams America ’s World Class Beer, New York Knicks, ESPN, WSOP Academy , FatHead.com, CardPlayer Magazine, Poker VT, Foxwoods, New York Giants, New York Jets, Copaq and sports artists James Fiorentino and Edgar Brown. Professional poker player Andy Bloch has contributed to the event for the past three 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. New York Knick great John Starks and WKTU DJ Goumba Johnny teamed up this year in the fight against MS.
“I am delighted that we have been able to make this event bigger and better every year,” said D’Aloia. “People now look forward to this annual tournament. I look forward to making it all the more successful in 2009.”