25th Land & Lake Poker Run offers fun by car, motorcycle, or boat for a cause

WEIRS BEACH — Kate Bishop and her former husband, Doug Hamel, had a racing boat on Lake Winnipesaukee, in 2000, and frequented The NASWA Resort's NazBar & Grill. Formerly of South Florida, they’d seen poker runs on the water from Fort Lauderdale, to Key West, and one afternoon, they got to telling NASWA owner Cynthia Makris all about them.

“I always admired how these events brought people together around a shared passion, while raising money for worthwhile causes,” said Bishop, who was development officer for Easterseals New Hampshire back then.

Together, Bishop, Hamel and Makris brainstormed a local poker run to include boats as well as cars and motorcycles. And along with other volunteers, they hosted the first Poker Run to benefit Easterseals NH.

Now, 26 years later, before this year’s 25th anniversary event kicks off — thanks to a year off in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — proceeds for the nonprofit are at $2 million, and the number of participants is at 500.

“It is amazing,” Makris said, noting the first year, the event raised about $18,000. And last year? $202,000.

“We’ve really nurtured it every year, and try to make it bigger and better, and put on a really fun day for people, so they look forward to coming back each year. We know how many lives we’ve changed.”

Bishop is now founder and leader of her own consulting practice, Community Matters. “Our one conversation evolved into an event that has become such an incredible tradition. The lasting success of this event is truly a testament to Cynthia’s vision and leadership, along with the commitment of the volunteers, sponsors, participants and supporters who have sustained it. Together, they have created a legacy that continues to change lives,” she added.

The 25th

The 25th Annual HK Powersports Land & Lake Poker Run will kick off Saturday, July 11, with registration at 9 a.m. Riders in and on vehicles of all kinds will race around the Big Lake, gathering one card at each of four stops before getting their fifth at The NASWA, and competing for the best hand.

Easterseals NH, which serves people with disabilities of all ages, continues to be the beneficiary of the event. This year, an icon plans to visit.

Elliot Perry, who's benefited from Easterseals NH programs and was 5 when the race began, has become an outspoken advocate for the cause, as well as philanthropist. At 14, he is founder of the Elliot Perry Foundation, and will take the stage during the poker run, to inspire people to donate.

“I am so honored that the Elliot Perry Foundation is a sponsor this year,” Makris said. “It feels like life has come full circle.”

Also this year, participants are encouraged to wear red, white and blue in honor of the 250th anniversary of the country's founding; six trophies will go to those who dress themselves or their boat or car in a patriotic theme.

The event is dedicated to the memories of Hope and Peter Makris, Markis' parents, and Brian Connelly, a former boat dealer who got the high-performance community to take part.

Peter Makris died in 2007; Brian, several years ago; and Hope in 2025.

Searching for a winning hand

Makris said the poker run is not a race. People can start at any of the four land or water locations, and move on to the others in any order. At each, they receive one playing card in a sealed, brown envelope, hoping for a winning hand.

The game ends at the NazBar, where the fifth card is doled out by one of a dozen dealers, who also reveal players’ hands.

“Everyone ends up here,” Makris said. “A constant line of people turn their cards in. If they have a top hand, they’re on pins and needles for the next couple hours, while the dealers are going through everything.”

The buffet opens at 12:30 p.m., and while people wait, they eat, take part in a live auction, and listen to music by DJ Terry Moran.

Those traveling by land can choose stops at Belknap Subaru in Tilton, HK Powersports in Laconia, Patrick’s Pub & Eatery in Gilford, and Pie Guys Pizzeria in Meredith. Those traveling on the water have stops at Watermark Marine in Paugus Bay, a pontoon boat at Weirs Beach, Shibley’s Docks by Foster’s Tavern in Alton Bay, a North Water Marine boat in Meredith, and an optional stop at Dive Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, for boaters who want to see more of the lake.

Participants get a T-shirt and tickets for a raffle, which this year includes a Sea-Doo and trailer from HK Powersports, two kayaks from Irwin Marine, and a grill from Fireside Living.

Memories, key players

Brian Burris, now area sales manager for Suzuki, was general manager for Freedom Honda, the original race sponsor, when it began.

“What I remember most was even the first event had a turnout far greater than anyone expected. The NASWA was packed, and the event had presence all around the lake. At the end of the day, everyone was tired, relieved and very satisfied that the efforts were rewarded, and proud of the fact that so many would benefit.

“It was easy to say 'yes' to sponsoring the event, as there were so many winners,” he said. “Those who participated in the event had a great time riding and boating. Businesses that were involved got great exposure. Most important were those that relied on help from NH Easterseals.”

Burris remembers weeks and weeks of meetings.

Others involved include Christine Hardy and Cathy Burnham of Easterseals NH, who led the organization; Jeffery Levitan, owner of Mix 94.1, who has promoted the event on his radio stations since the start; Steve and Brian Whalley, of HK Powersports, presenting sponsor this year and in recent years; Al Cooper of Sea-Doo; Kurt Muhlfelder of South End Media; and Jeff Fischer and Fred Caruso, of Northeast Radio.

“It just kept getting bigger and bigger and better,” said Makris, who served on the Easterseals NH board for 16 years, and started Lakes Region Veterans Count. “That is to the credit of the people who participate. They become passionate for the mission.

“I’m truly honored that my family could play a part in this, and host it for 25 years.”

For all the details, visit pokerrunnh.org.