Queensland charity poker run

Organisers of the inaugural State of Origin poker run on June 27 want to spread the word and build involvement in their well-intended charity event. Entries close June 17 so read on and register.

Following the ski-race tragedy of Jai Welch (33) in the Robinvale/Euston 80 behind the Echuca boat, Stalker, over Easter, mates and the ski-race fraternity have banded together to help raise funds for wife Bec and six-month-old Harper.

So this is for a good cause, but it’s also a good excuse to launch your boat for a fun day afloat. The event will be held concurrently at Echuca on the Murray, the Hawkesbury in NSW, and the Broadwater on the Gold Coast.

Thus far, there are some 50 Victorian boats, 35 NSW boats, but just a dozen Queenslanders behind the event. So organisers are reaching out to Queensland boaters with further details of what promises to be a lot of fun afloat.

POKER RUN
Although a Poker Run by name, the event is not a race. It's a charity day open to boaters in all manner of craft to relax and raise some money for a really good cause.

So far, there are tinnies, pontoons, a twin-engine 32ft Skater and just about everything in between. Ski-race supporters can go 1, 2 and 3 up if they wish. "Or tow no-one at all and just take the doona and a dog," says organiser Alex Ross.

The Queensland Poker Run participants will enjoy a fully organised event starting from the Main Beach behind Sea World, around Russell Island, then back to South Stradbroke to Tipplers Hotel for lunch.

Players will enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at Tipplers Hotel. Lunch will be provided by the Hotel and included in your $75 ticket price. Drinks are available at a cash bar.

HOW IT WORKS
Each paying crew will pick up playing cards along the way. By the time you get to the finish, each paying crew will have five cards, enough for a hand of Poker. The best hand wins.

If you're not completely satisfied with the first five cards you get in your hand, then you'll have an option to buy more cards at the finish. You can keep buying cards until you think you have a winning hand.

The only rules are those set by waterways authorities in each state, so you need to be fully compliant to participate. There are no exemptions or exclusions and each boat owner is responsible for their boat and crew.

Sponsor Hayman Reese is behind the event and organisers hope to grow their Poker Runs for a good cause. Helping promote this inaugural event are some of football’s biggest stars, too. But greater participation is needed, especially from Queenslanders.

Ticketing, further more information and details at: http://www.ticketebo.com.au/state-of-origin-poker-run/qld-state-of-origin-poker-run.html.
Also: https://www.facebook.com/events/1002602716417826/.

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