Hartwell Lake Poker Run for Meals on Wheels Reaches New Heights

Although a final figure regarding the money raised from last weekend’s sixth annual Hartwell Lake Poker Run in Anderson, S.C., is still being tallied, Laurie Ashley, the executive director of Meals on Wheels – Anderson, said she’s expecting the amount to exceed last year’s net amount of $42,000.

From offshore catamarans, pontoons and sportboats, the sixth annual Hartwell Lake Poker Run in South Carolina attracted almost 200 boats last weekend. All photos courtesy Ashley Addison Photography.

Considering the event featured a record 190-plus registered boats and nearly 40 sponsors, the increased revenue should come as no surprise to anyone who participated in the five-stop poker run, which also included a fun run on Friday followed by a street party and live entertainment from The Eric Scott Band that evening.

According to Ashley the weather turned out great despite a brief thunderstorm that impacted the run for roughly 15 minutes.

Check out the slideshow above for more photos from the Hartwell Lake Poker Run.

“This event is fantastic,” said Ashley, adding that the poker run is the largest of the four major fundraisers the organization puts together annually. “Everyone is happy to be here and support Meals on Wheels. We appreciate the loyal support of each participant and sponsor—without them this event would not be possible.”

Ashley said the winner of the poker run—Anderson’s own Charlie Barthelmes, who ran his 1966 20-foot Betram Moppie—walked away with $1,500, while the second- and third-place hands—John O’Neil of Atlanta (pictured above in his 368 Skater) and David Stoddard of Chamblee, Ga. —took home $750 and $500, respectively.

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