On so many fronts—from scenery to hardware to hospitality to the charming host-city of Clayton, N.Y., itself—the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run has been a hit in the go-fast boating world since its hardworking organizers founded it 10 years ago. But what the event delivers through the largess of its participants and dedication of its organizers and assorted other volunteers is without question its finest element.
Substantial donations to—you know—charity. The 1,000 Islands affair is good to its name.
The 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run continues to give back and make a difference. Image by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos.
This year’s event raised a whopping $457,000, with $275,000 of it going to Make-A-Wish of Central New York, $35,000 to the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department, $35,000 to the Alexandria Bay Volunteer Fire Company, $30,000 to the Thousand Islands Emergency Response Services (TIERS), $10,000 to River Hospital in Alexandria Bay, $15,000 to Alexandria Bay Ambulance, $7,500 to Cape Vincent Volunteer Fire Department, $5,000 to Brier Hill Volunteer Fire Department, $5,000 to Wellesley Island Volunteer Fire Department and $2,500 Hammond Volunteer Fire Company.
“What makes the 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run so special is not only the extraordinary generosity it inspires, but also the community it brings together and the lasting impact it creates far beyond this event,” said Diane Kuppermann, the president and chief executive officer of Make-A-Wish Central New York, in a press release from the event. “The dedication, passion, and heart of the all-volunteer committee, sponsors, participants, and attendees have made this one of the most meaningful and impactful partnerships in our chapter’s history.”
The 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run Corp. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since the event was founded in 2017, it has raised almost $1.75 million for the charities it supports. By any measure, that’s rock-star work. But while the organizers deserve to take a well-earned bow, they likely don’t have time for that.
Chances are, they’re already working on the 2027 event.