Avast, mateys! There’s loot to be had on Lanier

Poker Run event raises money for local nonprofits

Daniel Dove
ddove@gainesvilletimes.com
August 25, 2011

 

Pirates on Lake Lanier? Don't go overboard just yet; it's all for a good cause.

There will be plenty of bounty seekers on the lake Saturday as boaters take part in a popular annual event.

The 2011 Castaways Poker Run is organized by the Lanier Partners, a nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to raising the quality of life for children, according to Board of Directors member Rea Williams.

"It's an event that's about Lake Lanier and about the children. We're trying to help out in any way we can," Williams said.

The event is a fundraiser for both Camp Sunshine and The Children of Fallen Soldiers. Williams said that he hopes this year's donations can surpass the 2010 totals.

"Last year, we gave $5,000 to each, and this year we'd like to be able to give $25,000 to each. Our goal is to raise $50,000 this year," Williams said.

The theme for this year's run is "Pirates on Lanier." Participants are encouraged to dress up in buccaneer gear, with awards for the best and worst boat decorations and costumes.

The best poker hand of the day will earn its holders $2,000, with $500 for second, $250 for third, $100 to the worst hand and $250 in a blind draw.

"It's about having fun, enjoying yourself in the lake and helping a good cause," Williams said. "It makes your heart warm when you can help children."

Williams said about 130 boats have registered so far, with 280 hands picked up from captains and crews.

Festivities will set sail at 4 p.m. Friday as entrants meet for the captains party at the Holiday Marina in Buford. Captains will pick up route maps, enjoy food and music and receive the announcement for this year's swimsuit contest.

Holiday Marina is located at 6900 Holiday Drive in Buford.

Beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, participants will leave their home ports and make stops along the route, collecting cards at each to compile their hands.

Registration is $85 per boat, $30 per hand for crew members. For reservations, or for more information, visit the Lanier Partner's website.

If you have already signed up for the Castaways poker run please ignore this request for sign up. If you have not signed up now is the time to do it. But let us tell you a bit more about the event.........

This will be the most spectacular event held on Lake Lanier this year. You really do not want to miss it as it will provide many beautiful memories for a long time.

We have been under a lot of pressure to announce who our "Special Guests" are so we will tell you who they will be on Saturday August 27, 2011.  Joining us will be children that attend Camp Sunshine and some Children of Fallen Soldiers. They will participate in the event on a beautiful cruiser boat graciously supplied by the Singleton Marine group. The boat will be operated by Captain Ken from Singleton and crewed by a team of volunteers also from Singleton. After making the run they will be docked at Sunset Cove and Beach Club in a slip donated by Lake Lanier Islands Resort,  so they can attend the after event party. Please do not miss a chance to meet these kids who we are so proud to help. 

We will keep you posted as to more exciting things, such as more special guests and some incredible boats that will be part of the event in the next few days. Please,  if you have not signed up, do so today so you will not miss the event.

Lanier Partners of North Georgia
http://lanierpartners.org
http://www.facebook.com/castawayspokerrun
http://www.singletonmarinegroup.com/