Despite the less than perfect weather conditions, yes, we’re counting
the previous Monday’s freezing rain, the 14th annual Lions Camp Dorset
/ Tall Pines Poker Rally held February 12 th went off without a hitch. The
trails and lakes saw over 250 machines pounding the freshly groomed snow
and enjoying the areas beautiful scenery.
Along with the many local area sledders
we had some from as far away as up-state New York, regular event patrons.
We appreciate the continued support.
Dale’s Meatland / Big Wind Hunt Camp won top checkpoint sponsor once
again serving over 15 lbs of chili and 200 hot dogs. Running short, they
vowed to come back bigger and better than ever next year.
Special thanks to
Gord Henderson of Mountain Trout House and Brian Harper, President of the
Bond Head and District Lions Club for sponsoring checkpoints.
This annual event doesn’t have any trouble filling to capacity as
funds are raised for the Lions Camp Dorset Diaylsis services available during
the summer months to those individuals who otherwise wouldn’t be able
to get away for a summer vacation and enjoy the beauty of Deer Lake and surrounding
area.
Some of the riders raised money by obtaining sponsors or pledges. There
was a $100 prize for raising the most pledged money. This years winner was
Dave Jacklin of Ridgeway who raised $1,000.00. He promptly donated his $100’s
back to the camp. Thanks Dave.
In total just under $8,000.00 was raised through
pledges. If a rider obtained $50 or more in pledges he rode for free. Just
an incentive to start early and find sponsors for this worthwhile cause.
Our top poker hand this year was an Ace to 5 straight flush in diamonds.
Geoff Vanderveen of Stouffville came away with $2,000 cash. Second place
went to Gordon Stroud of Ancaster with 4 of a kind in 10’s. He chose
a tool chest donated by ‘Snap-On Tools’, one of our many annual
sponsors. Third place went to Tom Winn of Port Colborne with 4 of a kind
in 9’s. Even with over 300 poker hands dealt, everyone left with a
prize. Many thanks to all sponsors.