Ante 4 Autism poker tournament raises more than $9,000

Funds go to autism research, family services and advocacy

Alex Lemonde-Gray -- Furniture Today, January 27, 2011

LAS VEGAS — The third annual Ante 4 Autism event here this week, a Texas hold 'em poker tournament held during the Las Vegas Market, has raised more than $9,000 for Autism Speaks.

Ante 4 Autism winners are Tom Daley, left, Carls Furniture (third place); Jim Ralph, Riverside, Samuel Lawrence, and Intercon (champion); Jerry Williams, PMD Furniture Direct (runner-up); and Phil Miner, Symbol Mattress (fourth place).

Autism Speaks' mission is to increase awareness of autism and raise funds for research, family services and advocacy.

Jim Ralph, a sales representative for Riverside, Samuel Lawrence, and Intercon, was this year's champion, while co-host Jerry Williams, PMD Furniture Direct, was runner-up. Ralph and Williams donated their winnings to Autism Speaks, as did other top finishers. Tom Daley, Carls Furniture, finished in third place and co-host Phil Miner, Symbol Mattress, placed fourth.

The poker tournament was held Tuesday evening at Binion's in downtown Las Vegas.

"The furniture industry has a big heart when it comes to giving back, and once again we were not disappointed," said co-host Doug Krinsky of Restonic. "We thank everyone for their support and hope to see everyone again next year."

The group will continue to accept donations online or by check, Krinsky said. Donations can be made by visiting http://www.ramarketing.com/ante4autism, or checks can be made out to Autism Speaks and mailed to Doug Krinsky, 5405 Blackhawk Forest Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43082.

Anyone interested in helping with the next event, to be held on the Tuesday of next year's Las Vegas winter market, can call Krinsky at (614) 554-0802 or e-mail him at yogi1125@aol.com.

Co-hosts for this week's included David Wachendorfer, Tempur-Pedic; Miner and Mike McQuiston, Symbol Mattress; Mark Quinn, Leggett & Platt; Williams and Scott Graham, PMD Furniture Direct; Joe Amato, Mattress Matters; Randy Coconis, Coconis Furniture; Stuart Carlitz, Eclipse International; and Krinsky.