Local poker star gives $50,000 to Pujols Foundation

KSDK -- Local poker star Dennis Phillips is using his talent to give back to the community.

Phillips, of Cottage Hills, Illinois, delivered $50,000 to the Pujols Foundation today. He had just returned from Canada where he had been competing in a poker tournament. He plays the final round of the World Series of Poker's Main Event next week in Las Vegas.

Monday afternoon at Pujols's restaurant in Westport Plaza, Phillips handed over the check. Phillips also donated $19,350 to the MS Foundation today, money he raised by auctioning off a patch on eBay that he will wear on his shirt during the World Series of Poker. The highest bidder for the patch was St. Louis' Schindler Law Firm.

Phillips leaves for Las Vegas tomorrow where he will prepare for the Main Event. Nearly 300 friends and family from St. Louis will join him. He is also expected to be wearing his trademark Cardinals hat that he has worn since the first day of the tournament.