The 13th Annual Ante4autism Poker Tournament on August 21 at the Grandview Lounge at South Point Hotel and Casino during the Las Vegas Summer Market broke its previous record, raising over $ 150,000. This year’s proceeds went to Autism Speaks, FEAT – Families for Effective Autism Treatments of Southern Nevada, Cincinnati Center for Autism, National Autism Association of Southeast Ohio and Rich Center for Autism.

To date, the tournament, founded by industry veteran Doug Krinsky, has raised over $ 1 million to benefit numerous autism spectrum disorder charities and research institutes.

“To be able to raise autism awareness and raise that kind of money to help and support our children and families through these autism charities is just great,” Krinsky said. “There was a great turnout… (of) celebrities, professional poker players, furniture industry sponsors and lots and lots of local Las Vegas players. (We had) a live auction, a silent auction, and a lot of action at the tables. The excitement in the room was felt by everyone.

This year’s Apollo Jett Grand Champion was professional poker player Chip Jett and, along with his wife, Karina Jett, co-organizer and co-host of the event. The annual award honors the memory of the couple’s young son with autism.

The event enjoys wide support among members of the bedding and furniture industry, both businesses and individuals. For a full list of supporters and their donations, visit Ante4autism.com.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 59 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, which is a neurological and developmental condition that begins early in childhood and lasts a person’s life.