The world's largest online poker site, PokerStars, an Amaya Inc. (NASDAQ: AYA; TSX: AYA) brand, today announced a partnership with the brand new Jersey chapter of Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. Through its Corporate Giving Programme, Helping Hands, PokerStars becomes a Premier Sponsor of Autism Speaks, supporting ongoing research, advocacy and awareness efforts during Autism Awareness Month in April - and beyond.

In March, PokerStars re-entered the us by launching its platform in New Jersey and is continuous to turn its dedication to the state by bringing awareness to autism research through one of the vital causes' largest champions: Autism Speaks - New Jersey Chapter. This cause is particularly important to a few of the Team PokerStars Pros, particularly Chris Moneymaker, whose life was suffering from autism.

"Today, autism is a fancy and regularly misunderstood disorder that is affecting 1 out of 68 children and millions of families, including a lot of those throughout the PokerStars family," said Eric Hollreiser, Vp of Corporate Communications for Amaya Inc. and PokerStars. "WE'RE desperate to partner with Autism Speaks New Jersey to assist raise funds and awareness for this significant work."

The brand will kick off Autism Awareness Month by participating in Light It Up Blue, an international, annual campaign led by Autism Speaks, which sees thousands of iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and houses around the globe unite by shining bright blue lights on April 2nd, in honor of the millions of people and families suffering from autism. The color is in reflection of the Autism Speaks logo, that is blue because boys are four times likely to be affected than girls - with 1 in 29 boys diagnosed with autism. PokerStars will play its part within the day by changing its striking red spade logo to blue, to assist raise awareness. PokerStars' fundraising efforts can be further supported through various campaigns and events throughout 2016 - culminating with the Autism Speaks black tie gala in Spring 2017.

"We are thankful for the generous support of PokerStars and their commitment to raising autism awareness and promoting inclusion and acceptance by leveraging their global platform," said Heather Hays, Executive Director, Autism Speaks New Jersey. "IN THE COURSE OF THE month of April and over the following couple of months, we can be announcing exciting fundraising initiatives and events with PokerStars NJ and Helping Hands to further engage with local communities and inspire friends, neighbors and families to support autism awareness."

"My family and that i were delighted to be informed of PokerStars' commitment to Autism Speaks New Jersey, which - in turn - will raise funds and awareness for research and advocacy around the country," said Team PokerStars Pro Chris Moneymaker. "Our family have been and is currently suffering from this disorder, and as a dedicated member of the PokerStars family, I'M personally touched by the brand's decision to support a cause with reference to my heart."

To learn more about PokerStars and Autism Speaks New Jersey or to donate to this crucial cause, please visit http://www.pokerstarsnj.com/about/charity/autism-speaks.

Read More... [Source: PokerStarsBlog.com :: PokerStars news]