1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run At 100/100 Mark

That the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run has reached the 100-boat mark means the July 16-19 event in Clayton, N.Y., is a lock to reach capacity in the coming days. More impressive still is that the same number applies to another perhaps even more-crucial aspect of the ninth annual event.

This year’s upcoming 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run already has 100 boats registered and 100 sponsors inked. Photos by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos.

The 2025 happening already has reached the 100-sponsor mark—including first-time presenting backer DCB Performance Marine. With more than three months to go before the event opens, that means the event is almost certain to exceed last year’s record-setting 106-sponsor count.

And that’s welcome news for Make-A-Wish of Central New York, the River Hospital Wellness Program in nearby Alexandria Bay and the other charities that benefit from the 1,000 Islands Charity affair.

“Make-A-Wish is psyched and the wish-granting plans are getting underway,” said Renee Lalonde, who organizes the event with her husband, Ken, Alexandra Buduson, Bobby Cantwell, Dave Montroy, Jeff Morgan and Courtney Rutherford. “We’ll be making a decision on that front in the coming weeks.”