Raffle, poker run to benefit needy kids at Chrstmas
In preparation for the annual Junkanoo Poker Run, wrapping party and kid’s fund-raiser, local benefit guru Mike DeCarlo and his trusty assistant Trish have whipped up a sweet scooter raffle that will travel to all poker run stops up to the day of the run, which is Saturday, Dec. 20.
Up for grabs is a vintage-styled 50cc Verucci scooter, a retail value of $2,000. You have a chance to own it for just $10. That’s right. Each raffle ticket costs just $10 to enter into this prize pool. Tickets are available at each of the soon-to-be-poker-run-stops: Junkanoo, Surf Club, Valerie’s Lounge, Castaway’s and The Sandy Parrot, as well as the Beach Bulletin office (19260 San Carlos Blvd.).
And get this. DeCarlo said if 250 tickets are sold for the raffle, a SECOND scooter will be introduced for winning! So get your tickets early! The sooner you get one (or two or three), the better the chance a second scooter will enter into the prize pool.
Also prior to the bike run on Saturday, Dec. 20, new, unwrapped toys are being collected at each of the named spots listed above (Junkanoo, Surf Club, Valerie’s Lounge, Castaway’s and The Sandy Parrot, as well as the Beach Bulletin office) to be delivered to the Children’s Hospital at HealthPark the day after the run, Sunday, Dec. 21.
A caravan of popular cartoon characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Spongebob Squarepants, will follow along with Santa Clause that day, delivering the presents to the children of HealthPark.
Toys of all prices for all age groups will be happily accepted.
Mike DeCarlo understands it’s a tough time out there with the economy the way it is, and said he’s thankful for anything that can be done or donated to the cause.
“We’ve had so many people already pitching in to help with this cause, and we’re thankful for all of it,” he said.
Prior to the poker run and the delivering of the toys to the kids, a wrapping party will be held at Junkanoo Friday evening, Dec. 19, packaging up all of the donated toys that were brought in. Enjoy complimentary soda and snacks during the party.
If possible, please bring some wrapping paper, tape, scissors or whatever else you can.
The official poker run will take place Saturday, Dec. 20, with registration at 10 a.m. and all bikes out at 11 a.m. Prior to departing, a hearty breakfast will be served, and all stops will include food to snack on and enjoy.
After departing from Junkanoo, stops on the run will include Castaway’s, The Sandy Parrot, Valerie’s Lounge and The Surf Club, returning to Junkanoo around 4 p.m.
Upon returning, enjoy a pig roast, scrumptious sandwiches and other refreshments during the after-party. This will also be the time when the winning raffle ticket(s) will be pulled for the scooter(s).
The cost per bike is $20, and includes all that’s mentioned above. A charter bus is also available to travel in for just $15, and will include food and refreshments. Participate in the bike run while enjoying cool A/C (or a warming heater, depending on weather) and a bathroom at your instant whim!
Only 52 seats are available for the charter bus, so call now to reserve your spot(s).
All funds raised from the poker run will go to the Lee County Sheriff’s Youth Activities League, a local group who’s mission is to keep as many young people out of trouble and on the playing field as possible. Through positive interaction between law enforcement and the youth of Lee County, it is the group’s desire and intent at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to provide for our youth by giving them a nurturing environment.
As usual, this poker run, raffle and wrapping party is all about the kids. For more information, call DeCarlo at 590-5790.