Fair / 76° F
Lions celebrate best poker run ever
Published 3:48pm Tuesday, July 24, 2012More than $11K to be donated to local charities
Dudes, dogs, bikini-clad babes and many children descended on Sinclair’s Saturday for the conclusion of the eighth annual Alexander City Lions Club’s Lake Martin Charity Poker Run.
Dave Commander, president of Russell Marine, said the event had one of its best years ever, raising more than $11,000 for local Lake Martin charities.
“We had enough slots for 156 (entries), and we sold every one of them,” Commander said. “This is the biggest crowd we’ve ever had.”
Each participant paid a $125 entry fee.
The poker run began at The Ridge Marina and continued throughout the day, with participants picking up playing cards at River North Marina, Blue Creek Marina and Real Island Marina.
Participants ended their run at Kowaliga Marina and Sinclair’s Restaurant, where a band played various oldies hits.
“Everybody seems to have enjoyed the music, food and fellowship,” Commander said. “I think one thing (that drew people to participate) is that Lake Martin is a beautiful lake, and people like to get out there and enjoy it. Plus, it turned out the weather was good.”
The person with the highest hand and the winner of $1,500 was Travis Deep. Winner with the lowest hand was Jeffery Dennis, who won $500.
Winners of best crew were the group dressed as Hugh Hefner and the Bunnies. Second place in best crew went to the group dressed as the Goonies, and third place was a tie for groups dressed as Swamp People and in a Mardi Gras theme.
Honorable mention in the best crew category went to a group dressed as Mario and Luigi.
Commander said he thought people participated because the event is “not your typical poker run.”
“It’s an introduction to the lake and a good way to get out there with friends and family,” Commander said. “If you don’t win back your money, it goes to the community and you still get to have fun on the lake.”
