FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Proceeds will benefit programs serving thousands of children, adults, seniors, and veterans annually
Laconia, NH, July 18, 2024– Hundreds of attendees gathered on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee on Saturday, July 13, to cheer on participants of the 23rd annual HK Powersports Land & Lake Poker Run for Easterseals New Hampshire, raising more than $175,000 for the agency’s core programs statewide. Nearly $2 million in total funds have been raised since the first Poker Run was held in 2001.
Dubbed land and lake “pirates,” participants traveled by boat, car, or motorcycle to four different checkpoints on or around the lake to collect sealed envelopes containing playing cards. The fifth and final card stop for all players was the NazBar & Grill at The NASWA Resort in Laconia, where they revealed their hand to a panel of judges for a chance to win cash prizes. The friendly competition was followed by an all-ages, pirate-themed “Buccaneer Bash,” featuring a grand buffet, beach games, a live auction, raffles, and other family-friendly entertainment and activities, including opportunities to win grand prizes donated by Laconia-area businesses.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Easterseals NH’s core programs, which consist of thoughtfully integrated services and on-the-ground supports to thousands of individuals of all ages and abilities annually, including children, adults, seniors, and veterans.
“From our enthusiastic Land and Lake Pirates to our dedicated volunteers and sponsors, everyone’s participation in this great summer event is so critical to its success,” said Easterseals NH & VT President & CEO Maureen Beauregard. “I want to thank all who came out to show their support for Easterseals NH and for being with us in our ongoing journey to make truly meaningful differences in the lives of those we serve.”
This year’s Poker Run was dedicated to the memories of both Peter Makris, the late father of NASWA Resort owner Cynthia Makris, and Brian Connelly, founder of Fireside Living and a longtime Lakes Region community activist who passed away last fall.
Easterseals NH appreciates the support of its major event sponsors: HK Powersports, The NASWA Resort, Mix 94.1 FM Radio, Sea-Doo, Brady-Sullivan Properties, and Seachoice Products. Other sponsors include Amoskeag Beverages, Bank of New Hampshire, Baron’s Major Brands, Belknap Subaru, Bellman’s Jewelers, Bio-Kleen, Coca-Cola, Cohen Family, Crown Special Events, East Coast Flightcraft of New England, Fireside Living, Goodnight Johnny’s, Irwin Marine, Kellogg Marine Supply, The Laconia Daily Sun, Mark Abare, North Water Marine, Northwing Offshore Racing, Paugus Bay Marina, Pie Guys Pizzeria, South End Media, Sysco of Northern New England, Watermark Marine Supply, West Point Waste Services, White Mountain Fiberglass, Winnisquam Marine, and ZUP.
About Easterseals NH & VT
Established in 1936, Easterseals NH & VT provides exceptional services to ensure that all people of all abilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. Throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, the organization serves the diverse needs of about 18,000 children, adults, seniors, military personnel, and veterans with a wide range of abilities and needs each year. The organization does this through comprehensive, outcome-driven services and programs covering early intervention, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health, family and physical disability services, substance use treatment, and care coordination.
For more information, visit eastersealsnh.org or follow us @EastersealsNH on Facebook.
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