Calusa Land Trust Poker Run a wow success
To the editor:
After a one year hibernation the Calusa Land Trust’s 19th Annual Poker Run was a massive success. Under the direction of the Pine Island Boat Club and the St. James City Boat Club, their combined efforts reincarnated a record setting fun event with the benefits directed to the Calusa Land Trust. On Jan. 16 participants could boat, bike, drive, walk or crawl to any of six of the 12 dealer stations to play “7 card” poker with the last station at Woody’s Waterside Restaurant for the final draw.
The culmination of the fun-filled afternoon resulted in three winners and one “loser.” Mighty lucky Brent Frederick cashed in a $1000 first prize with five kings; Ed Lubeyko walked off with $350 with four aces and Richard Ebert was smiling with his $150 for third place with his four kings. However, there was also Walt Buch, who was pleased with his losing hand on-site draw worth $100.
The festive event, realized only through the initiative and impulse of chairman Mike Mendelson, phoenixed a fundraiser which donated over $7,000 to the all volunteer Calusa Land Trust, whose mission is to acquire, preserve and protect this special place named Pine Island.
All participants are anxious to again test their luck with the upcoming Great Calusa Rubber Duck Race on March 5 also scheduled at Woody’s. Duck Race tickets are now available from the restaurant and various vendors.
John Kendall