Articles & News
Poker Run a record success!
Published: 07.27.2017
The usual concern for the annual Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run is a forecast for rain that might keep participants away. But, this year, a heat advisory was issued. Perhaps that was partly responsible for the event’s record success this year. If it’s going to be hot, it’s better to be on the lake!
The Alexander City Lions Club and Russell Marine planned for 180 hands this year—an increase over 2016. Turnout for the event on July 22 was so great, however, organizers had to scramble to add 24 more hands after selling out by 10:15am. That’s 20 percent more than the previous record, and generated thousands more dollars for local charities.
Dave Commander, president of Russell Marine and a Lions Club member himself, summed up the benefit to the community.
“For 14 years, Russell Marine has been the presenting sponsor for the Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run. This event has created fun and excitement for participants and has raised more than $200,000 for Lake Martin charities,” said Commander. “This is one way we give back to our community.”
The Poker Run involves visits to five Lake Martin marinas, drawing a card at each hoping to build the best hand, and culminates in an after party hosted by Kowaliga Restaurant. It has become a beloved annual event on Lake Martin. Each year, several crews get creative with costumes and boat decorations vying for Best Crew bragging rights and cash prizes. It’s the participants who make the event so much fun and so successful.
“On behalf of the entire Alexander City Lions Club, we would like to thank everyone who participated in our 14th annual Poker Run,” said Lions Club president Jerry O’Neil. “We are overwhelmed with your continued support of this event. We had record entries this year! The more money we raise, the more we give away to local charities. Thanks again and hope to see everyone next year!!
Register early next year!
To guarantee yourself a slot for next year’s Poker Run, plan on pre-registering at any Russell Marine location. If you don’t pre-register, be at The Ridge Marina early! Slots fill up fast, as they did this year, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the fun and the opportunity to support local charities. Keep an eye out for announcements and registration instructions early summer in 2018.