BY TOM SOMACH

Hollywood celebrities have long been known for their philanthropic work–promoting causes and raising monies for charities around the world.

Professional poker players, on the hand, are not generally looked upon as either charitable or philanthropic–unless, of course, you consider degenerate gamblers greedily stuffing their own pockets with cold cash a virtue.

That’s all about to change.

A star-studded charity poker tournament designed for African relief is underway at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas.

Dubbed the “Ante Up For Africa” tournament, the event is the brainchild of actor Don Cheadle and poker pro Annie Duke, and seeks to raise funds and awareness for the crisis in Darfur.

Although the tourney is taking place at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, site of the WSOP, is not an official part of the WSOP, so no championship gold WSOP bracelet will be awarded to the winner.

Among those competing in the charity poker tourney are entertainers Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Shannon Elizabeth, Willie Garson, Brad Garrett, Ben Affleck, Jason Alexander, Jennifer Tilley, Hank Azaria, George Lopez, Danny Masterson, Mekhi Phifer, Ray Romano, Adam Sandler, James Woods and Cheadle, plus retired basketball great Charles Barkley.

Also participating in the event are poker professionals Erik Seidel, Phil “Poker Brat” Hellmuth Jr., Chris “Jesus” Ferguson, Phil “Unabomber” Laak, Phil “Poison” Ivey, Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson, Ted Forrest, Jen Harman, Clonie Gowen and Duke.

The event is a $5,000 buy-in, no-limit Texas hold ‘em tournament, and was open to anyone willing to pony up the five grand entry fee.

(E-mail Tom Somach at tomsomach@yahoo.com.)