1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run Organizers Present $200,000-Plus In Donations – Speed on the Water

Earlier this month, the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run organizing committee presented checks to the 2023 event’s benefitting charities—most notably Make-A-Wish of Central New York—during a kick-off party and dinner for the 2024 happening in Clayton, N.Y. In addition to organizers Alexandra Buduson, Bobby Cantwell, Ken and Renee Lalonde, Dave Montroy, Jeff Morgan and Courtney Rutherford, some 80-plus guests including local backers and longtime participants attended the celebration at the Wood Boat Brewery.

Granting wishes to children in need is the foundation of the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run. Photos from the 2023 event by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos.

The Make-A-Wish beneficiary from the 2023 event, Broder Staab was on-hand with his parents for the event.

“It was great,” said Renee Lalonde. “We did three check presentations and our total dollars donated will be in excess of $242,000.”

Among the attendees was Upstate New York’s Jack Gladke, who owns a Donzi 38 ZRC sportboat dubbed Red Baron. Gladke has participated twice in the poker run on the breathtaking St. Lawrence River between the United States and Canada. It is among his favorite annual go-fast boating events.

A group of passionate and dedicated volunteers, 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run organizing committee includes Alexandra Buduson, Bobby Cantwell, Ken and Renee Lalonde, Dave Montroy, Jeff Morgan and Courtney Rutherford.

“I always enjoy getting together with the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run crew,” he said. “They’re a great group people who work hard to benefit wonderful charities.

“For me, the highlight of the evening was getting to sit down and talk to Broder Staab and hear how much he’s enjoying his new fishing boat,” he added.

Next year’s 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run is set for July 18-20