Vancouver Island 2nd annual Poker Run for Charity

DDonovan

Update May 27th

The Honda Way in Abbotsford has contacted me again this year and they are going to be providing us with some really special raffle items again. They indicated it would be trips someplace but didn't elaborate as they are still working out the details. For those of you that attended last year you will remember that The Honda Way donated two tickets to Las Vegas for two and a trip to Calgary to do the Allen Bergen F1 school (which by the way we have another one of these for this year but it must be used by September).

Other than that money has started to trickle in. Please if you can contact me and pay for your tickets to get it out of the way and to allow me to pick up some nice raffle items for the event. Food and Facilities are now paid for so this is rain or shine.

Again this is a poker run where we will leave Victoria (either as a group or you can go individual or with a separate group). We hit 7 checkpoints on our way to Mt Washington Resort. It is about a 3.5 hour ride. At each checkpoint you will receive a playing card. When you get to the final destination you will have 7 cards to make your best poker hand out of..., I will post up all the poker hands later just in case you not a poker player. Doesn't matter though as the judges will make the highest hand for you so you don't need to know anything about poker. You can purchase mulligan tickets which allow you 3 times to swap a card at a checkpoint. Winners come from the best, second, and third hands. There is also raffles going on during dinner where you can pick up some very cool swag for next to nothing. Raffle tickets are $5, $10, $25 dollar denominations.

This is an overnight event (although it can be done in one day and have you on a Ferry back to the mainland that evening if you want), if you want me to help with accommodations let me know as there is a special rate for this event (89.00 - 189.00 whatever you need).

I need to have all monies in by July 20th, drop dead date would be August 20th unless other arrangements are made (if you are absolutely sure you are attending and can't get the money to me till day of the event then just let me know and I will pay for you and you can pay me back).

DDonovan

Update: June 6th

Not much new to say on the event with one exception.

• If anyone wants to attend the banquet dinner only then you can do that by purchasing a ticket for the Passenger price of $50.00. that includes a $20.00 donation to the charity as well as your meal. That allows you to come and meet with us up at the Mt Washington resort and come to the festivities being held there including a meet (all cars at the challet on the brick patio), banquet dinner, raffle items, and any entertainment to follow, as well as a cruise back with us Sunday.

We would love to have you out and if you can't make the actual "Poker Run" then you would be more than welcome to attend the event at Mt Washington with us.

Money is starting to trickle in so thanks for that!

To purchase your tickets either fire me a PM to get my address and you can mail me a cheque OR here is the link to the Interact Money Transfer site where you can use Interact to send money to me directly. (no banking information is sent to me, only an email confirming the transaction).

DDonovan

June 25th Update

Well payments have started coming in and that is great! I have personally talked to all the Honda dealerships and they will be supplying a cash donation to the Charity as well as some really nice stuff for the participants. There will be something going on at each of the checkpoint with some prizes and give aways. SHC has donated some gift certificates as well as some nice raffle items including HID bulbs, a Momo Shift knob, and some car cleaning supplies. Kal Tire has provided a very nice road side emergency kit, and there is much much more..., then there are the cash prizes for top 3 poker hands.

I have been asked by quite a few people how this all works cuz they don't know how to play poker..., by no means do you need to know how to play poker. I will post up a sheet with all the Poker Hands and their rankings. The way this works is we drive up to Mt Washington either on your own, with a small group, or come on a nice scenic cruz with the larger group. We will stop at 6 pre-determined stops and at each one you will receive a playing card. You keep the card and put it into a supplied envelop. You can swap the card at that checkpoint if you have purchased a mulligan ticket. Some of the checkpoints are putting on a BBQ for us and for their customers (free for us and donations by the customers) and they are turning that money over to us to put into the final donation to Camp Shawnigan. Once we arrive at Mt Washington we will park the cars up on the brick parking lot for a bit of a show. We have the upper chalet reserved for us and that is where the dinner will be as well as all raffle items laid out on a table. You will get the 7th card when you arrive at the Mountain. With all your cards in an envelop you submit them to me. If you know poker hands you can write what you have on the envelop and if you don't we will tell you what your high hand is. Once we have all the hands handed in we will award cash prizes to the top 3 card hands..., there of course will be some nice items that we silent raffle off (you purchase tickets and put them into buckets for the item you want and we draw tickets during or after dinner). Last year pretty much everyone went home with something, plus the feeling of doing some good for handicapped children and their parents and families.

After dinner we have the place till midnight with a bar and bar staff so you can head out to see the mountain, head back to your accommodations, OR hang with us at the Chalet for a while. Next morning it is breakfast or brunch depending on when we all decide to meetup, and a cruz back to Victoria...,

If you need to get back to the mainland for Sunday you can make it as the Duke Point Ferry out of Nanaimo (1.5 hours from the mountain) doesn't leave until 11:45 so you have plenty of time to make it back as some did this last year.

That is it! Last year it was a fantastic time and we managed to send two kids with full supplies to camp. Two kids isn't much I agree but it is two more than could have gone and that is very satisfying and I thank all those that participated last year and those planning to participate this year.

Come on out and have some fun for a good cause. Rooms at the Mountain can be had for $89.00 - $189.00 per night if you book through my contacts and if you go to the Mt Washington web site, under accommodations, you can find even better deals. I got a complete townhouse for $75.00 per night off the accommodations page.

Approx 6 weeks left so please if you haven't signed up please do. Also time to start thinking about payment. I need to have payment by August 1st and can't accept too many more after that as food needs to be ordered and staff arranged as well as for the checkpoints they need to know how much freebie stuff to get for us. If you can't pay right now then at least confirm your attendance or if you can't make it let me know.

Thanks again everyone from me and the kids that will benefit!!!

DDonovan

Good news!
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
In Parksville has signed up as a checkpoint. This is excellent as it gives us yet another beautiful spot to visit out our route to Mt Washington. The resort is also stepping up donate one night’s accommodation with 2 Mineral Pool passes for the Grotto Spa, valued at $300. That will be part of the raffle with proceeds going directly to the Kids.

The Honda Way in Abbotsford is kind of keeping quiet on what they are providing this year in terms of raffle items but they have said that they will be providing some excellent items as well Sokha himself may come over and participate in the Poker Run bringing along one of the Club Racers that they have in inventory.

Money is coming in and I have sent out PM's to everyone that expressed interest in the event as it is time to start firming up the numbers. There is little over 6 weeks left so it is time to start purchasing your tickets. Please contact me about payment as soon as you can. I have committed to 60 dinners from Mt Washington so I am anxious to see how close we are to that currently.

DDonovan

July 11th Update:

Money and confirmations are still coming in. I sent out a PM or Email to all the people that I have on my pre-registration list as it is time to firm up the numbers. Why are the numbers dropping so fast? Well on the list initially I wanted to get anyone that was 'thinking' of attending the event so I had a rough idea as to if we wanted to do this again this year. The response was once again tremendous and as such I decided to move forward with the event. It is time to start firming up those numbers and removing the people that originally signed up but now cannot make it for whatever reason.

To date I am very pleased with not only the pre-registration list but the actual people that have paid and/or confirmed their attendance with me. THANKS EVERYONE that responded to me. If you have not responded to my PM or Email or have not received one at all, please let me know.

So far we have the following numbers;
CARS Confirmed Attendance ==> 26
CARS Paid ==> 9

PEOPLE Confirmed Attendance ==> 42
PEOPLE Paid ==> 15

I would love to see more cars sign up though as we don't have representation from a couple of car forums or car models. If you live on the island this is an excellent chance to see other cars and have a great time with a fantastic cruise and helping out with a great cause. For those of you on the mainland I understand gas prices are high (10 cents cheaper in some cases on the island though), and the Ferry costs and hotel make this an expensive weekend, but if you can afford to come along we need you to help make this a success and send as many kids to camp this year as possible. Last year we were able to send 2 kids and purchase all their associated supplies. I hope to double that this year. So if you can make it please make an attempt to..., It is a truly fantastic event and Mt Washington puts on a great banquet dinner.


ONLY FIVE WEEKS AWAY!

Also remember that you can't just show up, you have to register so I can arrange for food and for the events that some of our checkpoints are putting on including free swag !!! Get on the list.

DDonovan

July 15th Update

Money and confirmations continue to come in. Please remember you must pre-register for this event as I have to order food and some of the sponsored checkpoints are putting on events for us and require estimates of how many participants.

Those of you that have not confirmed your attendance with me, please do soon. Even if you can't make it, I understand but please just let me know. Thanks to all those that have responded (most of you have).

Like last year, as we get down to the date people drop out as other things have come up or whatever, and that is fine. I am still above my commitment of 60 people so that is great. To help out though please spread the word about this event. Talk some friends into coming out, let me know if there are places I should post my event that I may have missed.

I have confirmed the menu with the Mt Washington Caterers:

Dinner Buffet

Artisan Buns & Whipped Butter

Garden Greens & Dressings
Spicy Thai Noodle Salad
Asian Sesame Ginger Slaw

Chef Attended Carved Roast Beef Au Jus
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Wild Rice Pilaf
Steamed Seasonal Vegetables

Assorted Desserts

Also for those of you that have not booked any accommodations yet, here are some instructions from Mt Washington staff:

Cathy has added a special discount promo code for the accommodation component of your visit this year, for guests staying at Deer or Bear Lodge via Slopeside Accommodations.

Participants may book online by visiting our website (www.mountwashington.ca) clicking on "Book Online" and then entering the word "Poker" in the promo/discount area.

DDonovan

July 22nd Update:

I have heard from most of you but there are still a few that I have been unable to reach. Please fire me and email or a PM confirming your spot. Also it is time to purchase your tickets, please contact me to arrange payment.

I have now confirmed all Checkpoints:

1) Victoria Honda
2) Discovery Honda (Duncan BC)
3) Nanaimo Honda
4) Tigh-Na-Mara resort and spa (Parksville BC)
5) Arrowsmith Golf and Country Club (Qualicum Beach, BC)
6) Island Honda (Comox)
7) Mt Washington Resort.

I believe that there will be a BBQ and sales event at the Discovery Honda location as well as the Island Honda location, so I hope your all going to be hungry. BBQ I think is free for participants and any money raised will be donated to the charity (Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan).

The Honda Way in Abbotsford has finally reviled what they will be donating to our event.
"What we are able to provide are the following: 5 Stay and Play Hotel Packages for 1 week. Resorts available in Mexico, Central America, South America, Canada, USA and Caribbean. This is hotel only. Customer is responsible for the taxes. "

While this is hotel only it is still an incredible deal. The only thing that the Honda Way asks is everyone that is attending the Poker Run, go to the Honda Way's Facebook page and "like" the page located here:

http://www.facebook....Way/37591138258

To be eligible to win a prize you will be required to "like" the Honda Way page.

Please pick up your tickets as soon as possible as it is time to commit to the event so I can get a final counts. [B]Payments must be in by August 10th.

DDonovan

Poker Hands
these are the available poker hands and rankings. If you don't know anything about Poker don't worry, our judges will select your highest hand out of the cards you receive should you require assistance.

DDonovan

I have completed the Overview maps which are maps from each checkpoint to each checkpoint. I will also supply more detailed maps of the route between each checkpoint. You will receive a map at the detail level where you can see street names so each of these OVERVIEW maps will come with more detailed maps once I have those completed. This will eliminate the need for a GPS but a GPS is still useful. Those of you that are traveling with the scenic crowd this is the route we will take and you will always be with someone that knows the way.

Starting Point to Checkpoint #1 - Victoria Honda (Victoria)

Checkpoint #1 to Checkpoint #2 - Discovery Honda (Duncan)

Checkpoint #2 to Checkpoint #3 - Nanaimo Honda (Nanaimo)

Checkpoint #3 to Checkpoint #4 - Tigh-Na-Mara resort and spa (Parksville)

Checkpoint #4 to Checkpoint #5 - Arrowsmith Golf and Country Club (Qualicum Beach)

Checkpoint #5 to Checkpoint #6 - Island Honda (Courtenay)

Checkpoint #6 to Checkpoint #7 and Ending Point - Mt Washington resort


Clicking on the checkbox at the top of the page to show you the map of the route.


Looks like the entire route is about 6 hours based on the time from Google Maps. We will start around 10:00 with the final crowd leaving around 11:00.

DDonovan

Here is a link to our new Vancouver Island Poker Run Blog being hosted by a new sponsor importmeets.com

DDonovan

Just two weeks left to register for this event. If your on the island you can't miss this. If you're not on the island, what a great trip this would make. We have sooo many good prizes this year as well as a drop in band that is playing for free! Sponsorship has been amazing. If you can make it out please try to. Contact me with any questions..., If you have registered, time to purchase your tickets!

DDonovan

August 5th Update

Well only 15 days till the Poker Run. Some of you will probably be happy to have it all over with and are tired of hearing about it. Believe me as the sole organizer of this event, I can't wait for it to be over either. We do have a great list of sponsors and a wonderful list of prizes and raffle items that have been donated to the cause. If you registered for the event it is time to purchase your tickets. If you want to register for the event, there is only ONE week left. Contact me with any questions, and if you can make the event, please make an effort to do so. It truly is a great time, nice cruise with wonderful scenery. A excellent dinner and awards evening, and lots of prizes/items for everyone.

One of the questions I get asked the most is "I don't know how to play poker"..., some people think that a poker run is actually a poker game with the proceeds going to charity. Not the case at all. A poker run is a rally where speed is not the focus at all. You have a starting point and a route. Along that route you will have 7 checkpoints that are all mapped out for you. You follow the maps (or a group of people like we will have), and you simply cruise to each checkpoint on the list. At each checkpoint you will receive a playing card. The last checkpoint will be Mt Washington where you will receive your 7th card. You hand in the 7 cards to the judges at the end of the run and the prize money is awarded to the highest hands based on the payout which is based on the number of participants. You don't need to know anything about poker or poker hands. We will figure it out for you, or you can do it yourself.

We have a wonderful dinner at Mt Washington and a raffle where you can win such prizes as Hotel anywhere in the America's for a week, free nigh at Tigh-Na-Mara resort including the groto spa, golf package for 4 including carts, F1 training in Calgary, many other items...,

If at all you can make this event please do, contact me for any further information.

DDonovan

One day left to register or to confirm your registration for this event. If you have confirmed already and haven't purchased your participation envelope, please do so. I have an extension until Monday to have the numbers up to the caterers.

DDonovan

OK well ONE WEEK LEFT till the 2011 Poker Run.

Paricipation has dropped off as it did last year, which is a bit disappointing, but based on the fact that this event has only been advertised on the local forums I am still pleased with the turnout as it is better than last year, and last year we not only had a blast but managed to raise enough to send two disabled kids to summer camp. That is what it is all about.

Registration officially ends today!
However if you missed it and really want to attend, I can still sign up a few people. I got an extension to have the numbers into the caterers till Monday so I can accept registrations up until then. I can probably sign people up until the day of the event but not in huge numbers, but please if you missed registration and can still make this event PM me or email me and I will do my best to get you on the list.

If you want to come up and join us at Mt Washington you have two options:
1) You can pay $50.00 which would entitle you to a dinner as well, and that includes a $20.00 donation to Camp Shawnigan.
2) You can pop up to the Mountain with us and offer up a donation.

Either way we would be happy to have you. If you want to donate just ask for me (Dave Donovan), or my brother (Al) or my wife (Ellen). We will gladly accept your donation.

See the list of participants below. If your name is on the list in BLACK, that means you expressed interest in attending but I have been unable to contact you to confirm your attendance. If anyone can get into contact with these people please do and forward them onto me. If your name is in light green, then you have confirmed that you are attending but just have not paid as of yet (Please contact me to arrange for payment as there is only ONE week left), and if your name is in dark green, well your all paid up and ready to go.

I will be handing out participation envelopes which will contain some freebies and your maps and you car number. I will have these at the Friday night meet (19th), as well I will have them Saturday morning. Come see me.

Please arrive at the Starting Point no later than 9:30 to check in. You can then head just up the street for gas (Chevron about 3 minutes away), then come back for the start.

Big thanks to those that have committed to this event..., I appreciate you time and your generosity. I look forward to seeing you all again and the new faces.

Participation List

1) DDonovan (Dave/Ellen) - S2Ki(VI) - PAID
2) pinetreeballer (Chris) - S2Ki(Van) CONFIRMED
3) MIs2000 (Mike) - S2Ki(VI) - PAID (+ 1 not paid)
4) notbadd (Mark/Judy) - S2Ki(Van) - PAID
5) MID ISLE S2K (John/Donna) - S2Ki(VI) - PAID
6) EhdrianEh (Adrian) - S2Ki(VI) - CONFIRMED
7) braindoc (Dave/Barbara) - S2Ki(VI) - PAID
8) sringrose (Scott/Sandy) - S2Ki(Vi) - PAID
9) ssthrd (Dave/+1) - S2Ki(VI) - PAID
10) Paris (Paris/+1) - NSXPrime(Vic) - PAID
11) MickeyS2000 (Mo) - S2Ki(Van) - PAID
12) JD Cross (Leslie/Jim) - NSXPrime - PAID(VI)
13) Manic! (???) - RS(VI)
14) kblackman (Kevin) - NASIOC-WRX/STi(VI)
15) Fortune_Seven (Shaun/Brie) - RX7Club(VI) - LMin
16) darksidegtr (Mike) GTRC(VI)
17) Kerric (Keith) - S2Ki(Edm) - PAID
18) topdown2000 (Mike/+1) - S2Ki(VI) - CONFIRMED
19) Carlos Fernandes (Carlos/+1) - bc240(Van) - CONFIRMED
20) Artem G (Art/+1) - bc240(Van)
21) Mr. Jack Walker (Jack/+1) - bc240(VI) - CONFIRMED
22) GreviusJones (Howard/Sally) - S2Ki(VI)
23) Robert Orr (Robert) - VIDE(Vic) - PAID
24) FricFrac (Kurk) - VIDE(Vic) - 370 - PAID
25) mxwizard (Tim/Cathie) - NIClub(Vic) - G35 - PAID
26) Canadian-Ix - (Rob/Rodger) - evolutionm(Van)
27) jostang - (Joe/Jill) - VancouverPrelude(VI) - '95 Prelude
28) Zoomie - (Chris/Kacey) - EvoX(VI) - PAID
29) tukatz - (Tom/Mel) - S2KClubUSA(Tacoma) - '07 LGP - PAID
30) Kassroth - (Colin) - Zilvia.net(ALB) - PAID
31) Dan VanDoormaal - (Dan/+1) - 2010 Genesis Coupe - Email - PAID
32) ITNKICN - (Ian/Robin) - G35Driver - PAID
33) Nightzone - (Lionel) S2Ki(Vic) - driving Patrices S2K - PAID
34) Murray Perret - (Murray/Steven) - S2Ki (Van/Vic) - CONFIRMED
35) S2KSean (Sean/+1) - S2Ki(Vic) - CONFIRMED
36) Chris Kettleson (Chris) - EM(Friend of JD Cross - NSXPrime) - PAID
37) Alasdair Ring (Alasdair/Darryl) 2010 Genesis Coupe - CONFIRMED

Cars: 37
People: 62

DDonovan

For those of you that can't find the original map to the Starting Point (which is also where the mini-meet will be on the Friday night (7:30pm)...,

Please be at the parking lot Saturday no later then 9:30am We will be leaving by 10:00.

4000 Seymour Place, Victoria, BC


See you all this weekend, and Thanks to Everyone that has taken the time to attend this event!

Dave