The Bahamas Poker Run co-founders, Jordan Lampkin and Shane Freedman, have concluded that by all accounts the 2019 installation of the premier marine event held on Saturday, June 29th was another great success.
The Fourth Annual Bahamas Poker Run (BPR) took place in North Eleuthera with more than 60 registered vessels and 300 plus captains and crew in tow. Throughout the day, playing cards were distributed towards a 5 card draw poker hand. By the luck of the draw, the captain with the best hand (a flush) was awarded the grand prize pot of $5,000.
On the morning of the event all boaters assembled in Eastern New Providence at Palm Cay Marina where they covered the 25 mile stretch towards North Eleuthera together. Consecutive checkpoints throughout the islands included: Meek’s Patch, Wreckers Restaurant and Bar in Spanish Wells, and Tay Bay Beach where a culminating beach party took place on the pink sand beach of mainland Eleuthera just steps away from Preacher’s Cave. As event-goers enjoyed an open bar of Sands Beer, Fireball Whisky, Monster Energy, Aquapure Water and various other beverages, beach games, competitions, and good fun; participants were also encouraged to visit the cave and national monument.
The Islands of North Eleuthera once again proved to be a picturesque destination for Bahamians to admire and explore their own backyard.
“A huge part of BPR’s mission is about exposing boat-owners and Bahamians to experience and appreciate what our unique shores, historic landmarks and national sea parks have to offer. We thoughtfully select our route and the recipient charities that benefit from the event with these criteria in mind,” said Captain Jordan Lampkin, co-founder, Bahamas Poker Run.
For the past four years, BPR has donated more than $30,000 to Bahamian non-profit organizations, including The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) who in celebrating its 60th Anniversary has pledged funds towards the preservation of national land and sea parks throughout The Bahamas. This year, BNT is the recipient of $10,000 and The Bahamas Red Cross Society (BRCS) also received $2,000 as a result of BPR’s turnout and support from Bahamian businesses.
“Our charitable donations are an important part of this event and an ongoing commitment to do our small part as Bahamians. We surely could not have contributed as generously over the years without corporate support and the do-gooders who attend BPR boating events throughout The Islands of The Bahamas year after year,” said Mr. Shane Freedman, co-founder, Bahamas Poker Run.
The seafaring event has garnered necessary support from local partners who understand that The Bahamas is a prime destination for boating and are thrilled to sponsor an all-Bahamian event.
Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company returned for a fourth consecutive year to provide its signature Sands Beer, other locally brewed products, and Fireball Whisky. General Manager, Mr. Gary Sands, said, “Bahamas Poker Run is not just fun to be apart of, it’s well organized, highly produced, and attracts a great crowd. Since the event's inception, we have looked forward to serving our Truly Bahamian Beer for everyone who attends.”
Another positive outcome of the event is its ability to bring together all cross sections of the Bahamian boating community. Whether it be personal boat owners, commercial fishing charters, engineers and mechanics, or simply beach-goers, attendees of BPR agree it was a thrilling day on the water.
"We are always pleased to see so many of our clients attend Bahamas Poker Run. Numerous Mercury powered boats- some boasting over 2000hp- showcased with confidence the power that Mercury engines have to offer and made quite a statement on the run," said Maryann McSweeney, General Manager, Lightbourne Marine.
Title sponsors of the 2019 BPR event included: Lampkin Marine Services, Muddasik, Sands Beer, Lightbourne Marine, Mercury Marine, The Fox Foundation, Bahamas Bus & Truck, Oasis Online Shopping, The Nassau Container Port, J.S. Johnson Insurance Agents and Brokers, Caribbean Bottling Company, Foxie’s Vape and Smoke Shop, Wreckers Restaurant and Bar, Palm Cay, Club Waterloo, Aquapure, and Bahamas International Foods.
Visit www.PokerRunBahamas.com for more information about the event, find event photos, videos and announcements on Instagram and Facebook by following @BahamasPokerRun.
Gallery of images available for download at the following link: THE FOURTH ANNUAL BAHAMAS POKER
About Bahamas Poker Run:
As the first event of its kind in Bahamian waters, The First Annual Bahamas Poker Run took place on May 7, 2016 and was attended by 150 Bahamian boating enthusiasts. Since its founding year, Bahamas Poker Run marine events have more than doubled in size, engaging hundreds more participants from The Bahamas and abroad and garnering support from eager partners committed to its success and growth. Following each annual event, Bahamas Poker Run makes charitable donations to Bahamian registered non-profit organizations. To date, more than $30,000 has been donated to local charities.
