Ex-Bear Azumah to host charity event

Jerry Azumah will host the Second Annual Chance of a Lifetime Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament and Casino Night on May 19 on the fourth floor of the Hotel Sax in Chicago from 5:30 to 11 p.m.

All proceeds benefit ASAP (Azumah Student Assistance Program). In this case the money raised will benefit San Miguel Schools in Chicago.

A $5,000 plus World Series of Poker Circuit Seat goes to the Grand Prize Winner.

What follows are excerpts from the press release: Tickets to participate are $350 to play and $75 for the casino and to watch. There will be one celebrity guest at each table, serving as the bounty player to be knocked out for a special prize for poker players and Casino games for all attendees. Some of the exciting raffle prizes include 2011 Super Bowl tickets, a condo in Vail (sleeps 20!), and a stay at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas as well as a live auction for 2011 Super Bowl tickets and Sports Packages for all Chicago teams’ tickets and experiences. First place poker player winner will receive a WSOP Circuit seat, as well as second place and third place winners.

Jerry Azumah – Born to West African immigrant parents and raised in Worcester, Mass., he has had a fortunate life attributing it to the support he has received throughout his life, especially in his younger academic years. In 1991, Azumah enrolled at St. Peter Marian High School, a private school in Worcester where he began to fulfill his classroom and athletic potential. Without the assistance of a local Worcester donor, he would not have been able to attend the prestigious institution. Equipped with a remarkable early education, a BA from University of New Hampshire and a successful 7-year football career with the Chicago Bears (All Pro, 2004), Jerry has been able to retire, maintain a healthy lifestyle and embark on new endeavors, by the age of 30. In addition, he joined Cellular Bears Post Game Live for his first season as studio analyst for Comcast SportsNet in 2007.

About ASAP (Azumah Student Assistance Program) Foundation – With an inception in 2004, its primary goal is to provide scholarships for disadvantaged students in Massachusetts, Illinois and beyond. The generous support Azumah received early in his life tailored his choices and outlook, his community, and his charitable activities. This support also serves as his founding inspiration to utilize his own personal and professional accomplishments to students in need. This year’s ASAP event is being used to directly serve support to San Miguel Schools, Chicago. More information on ASAP can be found at www.theasapfoundation.org.

About San Miguel School Chicago – located in the Back of the Yards and Austin neighborhoods, is dedicated to providing an innovative and accessible education for inner city children. San Miguel’s mission includes a Graduate Support Program for its alumni and a Family Support Program for the families of the students it serves. San Miguel believes that it is possible for a child to break the cycle of poverty, violence and hopelessness if given the education, tools and support necessary to succeed.