Boyne Thunder Poker Run Donates Record $207,000, Tops $1 Million Mark In 15th Year

Thanks to another overwhelmingly successful event in beautiful Northern Michigan this summer, the two worthwhile beneficiaries of the Boyne Thunder Poker Run—Camp Quality and Challenge Mountain—received the most money in the history of the 15th annual event coordinated by Boyne City Main Street and a dedicated committee of community members.

The Boyne Thunder Poker Run in Boyne City, Mich., raised an event record this year—$207,934. Photo by Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix

In total, more than $207,000 in proceeds were donated to Camp Quality USA, an organization serving children with cancer and their families by providing year-round programs, experiences and companionship, and Challenge Mountain, a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching and improving lives for the mentally and physically challenged through outdoor recreation.

What’s more exciting is that the mid-July event, which includes a welcome party, fun run, street festival, dock party and more, has now raised more than $1 million since its inception in 2004.

“Everyone involved in the Boyne Thunder Poker Run was excited to presents the checks this week,” said Kelsie King-Duff, executive director of Boyne City Main Street. “The committee behind the Boyne Thunder Poker Run is always trying to improve the event, but this year there was some added pressure. First, it was the 15th year, and second, we almost got to $200,000 in 2017 and we knew if we hit that mark this year we’d top $1 million in total donations. We’re very proud of that amount and from the day this event was started by Boyne City Main Street, the charities have been grateful and extremely deserving.”

Bob Alger, Boyne Thunder’s committee chair, was blown away by the generosity he witnessed at the event this year.

“The support for this event from the community, sponsors and participants is unbelievable,” Alger said. “We are so thankful and have a lot to celebrate this year.”

As both King-Duff and Alger pointed out, discussions and meetings are already in motion for the 2019 event, which takes place July 12-13.

Editor’s note: Pictured from left to right in the top photo above (click to enlarge) are Boyne City Main Street Executive Director Kelsie King-Duff, Boyne City Main Street Board Chair Michelle Cortright, Challenge Mountain Executive Director Elizabeth Looze and Boyne Thunder Committee Member Ward Collins. In the bottom photo, Camp Quality Representative Becky Follette (center) and Boyne Thunder Committee Member Nan Winter joined King-Duff, Cortwright and Collins.

Boyne Thunder Poker Run Donates Record $207,000, Tops $1 Million Mark In 15th Year

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