A total of $25, 000 was paid out to five worthy causes at the Casino de
Montréal benefit poker tournament

MONTREAL, Oct. 21 /CNW Telbec/ - On October 17^th, the Casino de Montréal hosted its first benefit poker tournament, during which 20 participating personalities put their skills to the test in order to raise funds for their favourite non-profit charitable organization (NPO).

The big tournament winner was none other than actor Carl Marotte, thanks to whom the Viomax centre, which provides workout programs for the physically handicapped, received $9,000. It was of course the biggest amount won by NPOs in the tournament.

Frédéric Pierre and Jean-Pierre Angelil, who respectively won $7,500 and $5,500, amounts that were paid to the Fondation Haïti Partage and the Fondation des maladies de l'œil, took second and third places.

The final winners of funds for causes dear to their hearts were Jonathan Duhamel, the young leader in the prestigious World Series of Poker Main Event final table, and performing artist Luis Oliva. Thanks to Jonathan's poker ability, the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation received a cheque for $2,000 while through his skills Luis enabled SMAC (Solidarité Montérégie Amérique centrale) to receive $1,000.

Tournament rules stated that only players who ranked in the top five spots would earn money for their charity. The Casino de Montréal would like to thank all players, emcees Sophie Bourgeois and Dominic Fugère, and representatives of NPOs for coming out to the event.

For further information:

Source and information:

Catherine Fortier
Communications Department
Casino de Montréal
514-392-0909, ext. 4881