Mercury Racing Backs 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run
After a two-year, pandemic-forced hiatus, the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run set for July 14-16 is well on its way to a strong comeback. The six-year-old happening in Clayton, N.Y., which benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York, the River Community Wellness Program at River Hospital and other local nonprofit service organizations has secured Mercury Racing as a Diamond-level sponsor.
Registration for the 120-boat, weekend-long event opened March 1 and is filling quickly.
With backing from Mercury Racing, the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run is poised for a strong comeback year. Photos by Tim Sharkey copyright Sharkey Images.
“The endorsement of the event by Mercury Racing, a leader in this performance segment, is very important to us,” said Ken Lalonde, a founding member of the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run, in a press release from the Fond du Lac, Wis., high-performance marine engine and accessories company. “Getting involved with Make-A-Wish has made us all grateful and humble for the good fortune we have in our lives. River Community Wellness provides mental health programs for the community, including veterans and service personnel affiliated with Fort Drum.”
Mercury Racing is bringing its Tour Truck and other product displays to the event, which begins with a Friday evening street party and exhibit in downtown Clayton. The company also will donate an item for the charity auction.
In 2018, a Mercury Racing-branded cooler raised more than $10,000 after being re-donated several times during the auction.
The 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run happens on the spectacular St. Lawrence River.
“In just a few years the 1000 Islands run has become one of the most talked-about events of the season,” said Steve Miller, Mercury Racing director of customer experience in the release. “It’s a beautiful area and the water and the course give owners a chance to let these performance boats stretch their legs. At the end of the weekend, the goal is supporting these great charities and Mercury Racing is delighted to have an opportunity to support the event.”
Additional marine industry backers for the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run include Mystic Powerboats, MTI and Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats. Speedonthewater.com chief photographer Pete Boden will be on hand to capture all the action as the event’s official photographer.
Currently in production with the second-year Speed On The Water “In The Lead” video series—the first episode will drop on Thursday—Scrapyard Media and the speedonthewater.com team will produce a complete video capturing the 2022 1,000 Islands event.
Wish fulfillment is a key component of the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run.
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