Nov 03, 2009
‘Last Comic Standing’ Comedian Appearing At Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament
Sean O'Leary, Communications Specialist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
‘Last Comic Standing’ Comedian Appearing At Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament
STRATFORD, Conn. – Comedian Joey Gay, a contestant on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, will appear at the sixth annual Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament.
The tournament will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, at TJ’s Restaurant in Port Chester, N.Y. Last year’s tournament raised $25,000 to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter. Over the past five years, the annual event, coordinated by Jason D’Aloia, has raised more than $112,000.
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| Joey Gay |
Gay, a stand-up comedian and actor, appeared on the fourth season of Last Comic Standing and he has entertained audiences at top comedy clubs across the country as well as at casinos such as The Borgata in Atlantic City, N.J., and Foxwoods Casino in Ledyard. As an actor, Gay has played roles on television shows including NBC’s Law & Order and MTV’s Damage Control.
This year’s other celebrity guests include actress Farah Fath, who portrays Gigi Morasco on the ABC daytime soap opera One Life to Live, actor John-Paul Lavoisier, who plays Rex Balsom across from Fath on One Life to Live and professional poker player Andy Bloch.
D’Aloia, a Stratford resident, established the tournament in 2004 in honor of his mother-in-law, Janice Turek, who lives in Enfield. Turek was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 11 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. I’m amazed at the growth and success of this tournament.”
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Turek, are affected by multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and, as a result, there is currently no cure for MS. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
“The event promises to be both lively and very competitive,” said D’Aloia. “The winner will receive a World Series of Poker Seat worth $10,000 where he or she will have an incredible opportunity to win millions.”
Funds raised for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter through events, such as the Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, as well as to provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis.
The event features an open bar. There is a $200 donation to register to play and $20 donation for spectators. Check-in begins at 10 a.m. along with a complementary continental breakfast. The game begins at 11 a.m. sharp. TJ's restaurant is located at 225 Westchester Ave. in Port Chester, N.Y. For more information on the 2009 Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament, contact Jason D'Aloia atmscharitypoker@yahoo.com or visit www.mscharitypoker.com.
For more information on multiple sclerosis and vital programs and services offered by the Connecticut Chapter, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org or e-mail programs@ctfightsMS.org.
11/3/09
Sean O'Leary
Communications Specialist
National MS Society - Connecticut Chapter
659 Tower Avenue, First Floor
Hartford, CT 06112
tel 860.913.2550, ext. 249
soleary@ctfightsMS.org
www.ctfightsMS.org