I rarely do good things for people, so it’s a privilege to do something nice for the people of Africa. Some celebrities are getting together as part of the World Series of Poker 2009 festivities, in conjunction with Enough, to raise money for the various crises in Africa and, presumably, avoid making racially insensitive jokes.

On July 2, 2009, Don Cheadle is once again hosting the third annual Ante Up for Africa, No Limit Texas Hold-Em Tournament in association with the World Series of Poker. Proceeds from the event will go to charities that provide aid and assistance to the survivors of the crisis in Darfur, Sudan and support activism dedicated to resolving this crisis. Previous Ante Up tournaments have raised more than $2 million for the cause.

Matt Damon, Jason Alexander, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Montel
Williams, Herschel Walker, Hank Azaria, Brad Garrett, Marlon Wayans, Sarah Silverman and Casey Affleck are all playing this year, with many more celebs expressing their interest to play.

That’s a pretty big turnout of prominent celebrities. I’m always amazed when people who have so much are passionate about helping people who are totally different than themselves. Like that time I slept with a Australian chick. We couldn’t have had less in common — she had seen koalas and kangaroos in person, I didn’t pass out in my hotel room — yet I was generous enough to give her access to my loins and towel her off afterwards before throwing her back in the hallway. Truly a beautiful story of caring for others.

You can get updates on the Ante Up for Africa event at Pokerlistings.com.