2024 Boyne Thunder Poker Run Raises $230,000 For Children’s Charities

If not for its limited dock capacity, the Boyne Thunder Poker Run in Northern Michigan would routinely attract upward of 200 boats. That’s how coveted slots in the event have become during the past 21 years. But while it is long on charm, the F. Grant Moore Municipal Marina in Boyne City is somewhat short on space, and overflow dockage is limited. So the organizers keep the event, which typically sells out minutes after it opens, to 120 boats.

The Boyne Thunder Poker Run attracts some of the most brawny hardware in the go-fast boating world. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix

Far less limited, however, is the generosity of those who participate. This year, the event raised $230,000 through registration, donations and a live auction following the Saturday night dinner celebration. Proceeds will go to a pair of local charities, Challenge Mountain and Camp Quality-Michigan, that serve children.

“It was an excellent fundraising year, one of the best,” said Ingrid Day, the event coordinator for the Boyne Thunder Poker Run.

Spirits fly high during the annual event.

Challenge Mountain provides adaptive outdoor experiences and “therapeutic recreation” for children with physical mental challenges. Camp Quality-Michigan serves children with cancer and their families by providing year-round outdoor experiences. Both nonprofit organizations provide those programs at no charge to participants or their families.

Sponsor registration for the Boyne Thunder Poker Run opens December 9. This year, it sold out in 10 business days.

General registration for the event opens March 1.

Despite its far-flung Northern Michigan location—or perhaps because of it—participants from across the country flock to the Boyne Thunder happening each year.