FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pirate-themed costumes are encouraged at the 23rd annual event to benefit Easterseals NH’s programs
Laconia, NH, June 26, 2024– Get ready for a treasure-hunting, swashbuckling good time in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region this summer. On Saturday, July 13, hundreds of attendees will participate in the 23rd annual HK Powersports Land & Lake Poker Run, followed by an all-ages pirate-themed “Buccaneer Bash” at The NASWA Resort in Laconia, all to benefit Easterseals NH’s core programs.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m., participants will travel by boat, car, or motorcycle to four different checkpoints on or around Lake Winnipesaukee and collect sealed envelopes containing playing cards. The fifth and final card stop for all players will be at the resort’s NazBar & Grill, where they will reveal their hand to a panel of judges for a chance to win cash prizes of $750, or $1,000 for High Rollers Club members.
The Buccaneer Bash, to kick off at 12:30 p.m., will feature a grand buffet, beach games, a live auction, raffles, and other family-friendly entertainment and activities. The grand prize for the day is a brand-new Sea-Doo personal watercraft from HK Powersports of Laconia including a trailer, valued at more than $14,000. Other prizes from Laconia businesses include a new Saber stainless steel grill from Fireside Living, an Old Town Saranac canoe, and an Old Town Heron kayak provided by Irwin Marine.
Additional prizes will be awarded to attendees in multiple categories, from Best Pirate Costume and Best Pirate Crew to Best Pirate Boat, Best Pirate Land Ship, and Best Little Pirate.
“Having attended the event myself in the past, I can say without question that Poker Run is one of the premier highlights of the entire summer,” said Maureen Beauregard, President & CEO of Easterseals NH & VT. “We are so grateful for everyone to have the opportunity to come together and enjoy all the Lakes Region has to offer while supporting the work we do at Easterseals NH.”
Since its inception in 2001, the HK Powersports Land & Lake Poker Run has raised more than $1.7 million for 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. This year’s event is 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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