Stars ensure coverage. It is a known fact. We roll our eyes at it, but some of us still tune in. It is great when that coverage lends itself to publicizing an event such as the Ante Up For Africa poker event at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas, which raised money for the Enough Project and the International Rescue Committee.

John Prendergast sure has a knack for getting fellow celebrities to join him in raising awareness. In attendance last night were Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Adam Sandler, Charles Barkley, Ray Romano, Jason Alexander, Montel Williams, Mekhi Pheiffer, Martin Sheen, Brad Garrett, Shannon Elizabeth, Cheryl Heinz, Stanton from Sex in the City, Donnie Whalberg, many poker stars including Phil Ivy, Phil Helmuth, Jamie Dickson, and several others. Buds Damon and Affleck even got ENOUGH some coverage in People.

The ENOUGH Project, a project of the Center for American Progress, has the mission to stop and prevent genocide and mass atrocities by promoting Peace, providing Protection, and Punishing the perpetrators. It uses field and policy analysis and strong policy advocacy to empower a growing activist movement for change. Here at CAP we were all excited when Prendergast brought Ryan Gosling in the house to host an event raising awareness for the crisis in Northern Uganda. Kate and I sat higher in our chairs every time he had to walk by us to go use the bathroom. We even used him to promote our conference.

So even if people just come out to stare at Damon’s great hair, or Affleck’s chiseled features, we should thank these stars and many others for helping to educate the masses about atrocities such as the genocide in Africa. I was able to see celebrity power in action when Gosling packed the house at CAP. Last night that power was again demonstrated as over 750,000 dollars was raised.