143 snowmobilers in Lucan, Ont. came together to enjoy a day of winter fun, a hand of poker and good company to help sick children. The third annual “Poker Run” broke previous attendance and fundraising records with $2,500 for the Children’s Health Foundation. Snowmobilers gathered at organizer Ashlynn Read’s farm in Lucan and then travelled to designated locations to receive playing cards. At the end of the journey, participants discovered whether their poker hand could win them any of the prizes donated by local businesses and farms.
Read, a sales rep with Sutton Group Select Realty in London, says money was raised through entry fees, a 50/50 draw, donations and proceeds of a chili dinner.
“I enjoy organizing and running this event because it’s a great day of snowmobiling fun, but we raise money for a good cause,” says Read. “It’s a win-win and people in our community look forward to it every year.”
Read launched the Poker Run in 2013. The first year, all proceeds were donated to OneRun, a 100-km run for breast cancer research and care. The second year, it raised money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. This year’s charity, the Children’s Health Foundation, supports the Children’s Hospital in London.
If next winter is as snowy as this one, Read expects another great turnout. For anyone interested in signing up, the only requirements are a snowmobile and a small entry fee but no skill at poker is required. Participants receive one card at the starting point and another at each of four stops along the trail in Lucan. By the end, participants have five cards to make up a poker hand. Those with the top hands receive gift cards and other prizes from donors.
