The Kamaniskeg Area Property Owners Association’s Poker Run is back this year, and so far the event has already broken records.
Bruce Willmer, organizer of the event, says they are seeing new people and rapidly approaching their goal of $25,000. They recently had an early bird draw, which put the fundraiser at close to 70 percent of their target. With more people registering and the date coming close, Willmer says they are at 80 percent of their goal.
However, Willmer is hoping a lot of last-minute people will register. He says the volunteers are ready, docks have been picked, and festivities have been planned, including live music. There have been a lot of new people who have joined the run, including both long-time residents and newcomers. A record number of boats have been registered, with 55 ready so far.
The Poker Run raises funds for the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, and this year their goal is to buy a portable respirator for the hospital. The machine is used to stabilize patients in respiratory distress and helps in the transport of patients from one place to the other. Willmer says any additional funds raised will go to further equipment purchases.
Registration is open on the Association’s website until the Friday before the event. Willmer says they will take registrations at the Barry’s Bay dock when the event kicks off on Saturday, July 23rd.
Wilmer would like to thank the Association’s volunteers, organizers such as the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation and the Valley Gazette, the event’s sponsors and the families who have volunteered their docks for the event.