Proceeds from event will go to Mindemoya Hospital
MELDRUM BAY—The Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) is going to be receiving a substantial donation from the organizers of the very successful, fourth annual Joe’s Poker Paddle 2024, held on Lily Lake in Meldrum Bay on June 22.
“Atrocious weather on Saturday (June 22) brought a record turnout for this year’s event. Even the non-stop rain didn’t put anyone off!” said main organizer Joe Weston. Grabbing their watercraft, participants set off to collect their tokens for their poker hand. Some were quite competitive; others were much more leisurely.
Mr. Weston kept a keen eye on proceedings and was stunned by the large turnout. “Thanks to our sponsors (Seven2One Studio, 540 Ends General Store and Island Knife and Forage) we attracted another bumper crowd. They all seem to be having a fun time.” He pointed out there were a total of 59 participants (37 who took to the water) and others buying poker hands but not venturing out on the water (entry fee was $20 per person).
Top prize of the day was won by Rose Van Every of Meldrum Bay. Dave Daniel was second with Brent Hoskins third. Participants from as far as Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (WUT) took part in the event.
Between personalized gift vouchers, personalized glassware, clothing and other special prizes, all winners went home very happy.
Through the event organizers will be making a donation of $1,000 to the Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC).
Mr. Weston confirmed that the day’s fund has managed to raise $1,000 for the Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) Mindemoya hospital. He added, “everyone is already excited about next years event.”
This event started as a group of friends who go together for a fun day out. Due to many requests Mr. Weston opened it up to anyone who wanted to have some fun on Lily Lake. Any type of water vehicle was encouraged from kayak, canoe to stand up paddle board but personal floating devices were mandatory for all participants. Each player collects a poker chip from each of seven stations on the lake. Each chip was then exchanged for a playing card, with the person with the best poker hand winning, as well as many other prizes.
