“The Poker Run is the first big local fundraiser for the Toys for Children Program,” said Matt Mitcham, president of the Pell City Civitan Club.
The 2012 Poker Run registration is from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Lakeside Park boat launch. Last watercraft out is at 10:30 a.m. and last watercraft in is at 1:30 p.m.
“This isn’t a speed event,” he said. “There are five docks to visit before everyone meets back up at 1:30 p.m.”
Entry fee is $20 per person, one hand, and you must be 21 years old to enter. Grand prize is $500 cash. There are prizes for second and third place and door prizes.
“The Civitans will grill hamburgers, hotdogs and sausage dogs at the event and will sell those and chips and drinks as a fundraiser,” he said.
Mitcham said the club hopes to raise $1,500-$2,000 at the event.
“Our goal is to raise about $20,000 total this year,” he said. “We give away $16,000-$18,000 in toys each year with the Toys for Children Program. The remainder goes to help The Arc of St. Clair County and other local projects such as building handicapped-accessible ramps. The Civitan mission is to help developmentally disabled citizens and all the money we raise stays in the general Pell City area.”
Mitcham said the Pell City Toys for Children Program, which helps provide toys, clothing, shoes and diapers to needy children at Christmas, helps about 700-800 children each year.
He said there are several other fundraisers scheduled this year.
“We sold onions for the Civitan International project in February, March and April, but the main local fundraisers start Saturday and run through December,” he said.
Mitcham said the next major event is the 8th Annual “Float Yer Boat” Regatta on Aug. 25 at Lakeside Park in Pell City.
“Now is the time for folks to start thinking about cardboard boat designs and begin building them for this year’s race,” he said.
Mitcham said the boat-building rules and regulations are the same as last year. The approved materials are: corrugated cardboard, duct tape, silicone sealant, construction adhesive, paint and paraffin wax.
“We are making several changes to the program content of the event itself,” he said. “We plan to add to the variety of entertainment during the program. We also plan to move the start of the event later in the day and begin around lunchtime. That will help accommodate the out-of-town entries.”
Mitcham said the boat race categories are being redefined as well.
“We want to tighten up the categories to create a more fair and fun racing environment,” he said. “We plan to have the challenge series at the end like we did last year, where you can challenge another competitor to a race. And we are planning a demolition derby. We hope the changes will help make the regatta more of a total event.”
Mitcham said other fundraisers include the Children’s Charity Classic in October which features youth football association games, the Haunted Trail at Halloween and We Need a Little Christmas at the beginning of December.
For more information about the poker run, call Lisa Phillips at 205-884-3444 or email lphillips@thwinc.com.
For more information about the annual “Float Yer Boat” Regatta call Matt Mitcham at 205-338-3534.
Contact Elsie Hodnett at ehodnett@dailyhome.com.
