Big Brothers Big Sisters Partners with Sault Ste. Marie Poker Run
Want to speed down the St. Mary’s River on a 3,000 horse-power racing boat this summer? Not quite enticing enough for you? What if the proceeds from your ride went to Big Brothers Big Sisters Sault Ste. Marie?
The community service organization has partnered with the 2016 CAN/AM President’s Cup VIP Poker Run. Taking place August 5 to 7, the event will bring massive offshore style, V-bottom and catamaran race boats from around the world to the Sault Ste. Marie waterfront. On Sunday August 7, fans will be able to partici-pate in the “Ride of a Lifetime” and, for a fee, take a spin on one of the Poker Run boats. All proceeds will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters Sault Ste. Marie.
“As a not-for-profit charity, we rely heavily on fund raising, community support and sponsorship to provide our programming and, as such, the chance to partner with Poker Run America and Tourism Sault Ste. Marie for this event is an amazing opportunity for us,” said Rebecca Bolton, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Sault Ste. Marie. “All money raised by our organization remains in the community to help local children, and the experience we provide can truly be life-changing for both our mentees and mentors.”
During the 2016 CAN/AM President’s Cup VIP Poker Run, vessels ranging from 30 to 50 feet will speed to Richards Landing, Hilton Beach, Thessalon and Drummond Island. At each location, participants collect a card in a sealed envelope. When they return to the Sault’s downtown, the best poker hand wins.
Community residents will have an opportunity to take part in the weekend events. Activities and entertainment are planned at the Roberta Bondar Marina and Pavilion, including:
- Friday, August 5: The public will have a chance to see the high-performance boats up close and meet the owners and crew.
- Saturday, August 6: On Poker Run day, spectators are welcome to line up along the Sault Ste. Marie shoreline to see the boats in action and “hear the thunder and feel the rumble” as they begin their run east. Citizens in Richards Landing, Hilton Beach, Thessalon and Drummond Island are encouraged to welcome boats as they arrive for a card stop.
- Sunday, August 7: Citizens will be able to participate in a “Ride of a Lifetime” along the St. Mary’s River.
“In all of our Poker Runs, we team up with a charity or service organization in the host community, and we’re thrilled to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters Sault Ste. Marie for our 2016 “Ride of a Lifetime event,” said Bill Taylor, President of Power Boating Canada and Poker Runs America. “Big Brothers Big Sisters Sault Ste. Marie is an excellent group that does excellent work, and we’re very happy to support them.”
The 2016 President’s Cup VIP Poker Run is expected to draw hundreds of international participants and fans to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
“Hosting the 2016 President’s Cup VIP Poker Run gives us an opportunity to showcase our community’s gorgeous waterfront and the North Channel of Lake Huron, which is widely regarded as one of the best boating locations in North America,” said Ian McMillan, Executive Director of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie. “Along with the promotional benefits, the event will also generate a considerable amount of visitor spending. We thank the City of Sault Ste. Marie and Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation for their support in securing this summer spectacle.”
