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Last year around this time, Central Valley poker superstar Jerry Yang was celebrating his $8.25 million victory in the main event of the World Series of Poker. This year, Yang is giving back as the main celebrity attraction at two tournaments in cardrooms within a short drive of the Bay Area.

The first tournament takes place Saturday at the Gold Country Casino in Oroville (Butte County), when Yang will be on hand for a no-limit Texas Hold ‘Em tournament to benefit the local Salvation Army Fire Fund. A percentage of the proceeds from the tournament will go directly to victims of recent wildfires in the area.

Then, on Aug. 9, Yang will be at it again, participating in another charitable tournament at Casino Marysville in Marysville (Yuba County). This latter event is designed to help victims of the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that shook Sichuan province in China in May. The goal is to raise at least $10,000.

“All of these tragedies happen to families just like yours and mine,” says Yang, who lives in Madera. “The very least I can do as world champion is to give back.”

Click here to read more:
Ante up for charity

Author Contact Info: Matt Villano, San Francisco Chronicle

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