Desert Storm has arrived. Let's make this thing work!

[C-2]

Desert Storm has arrived. LetÂ’s make this thing work!
For the past eight years the Spring Poker Run has jump started the boating season at Havasu. For the first time in its history, the run has been accepted and received by even its harshest critics. In short, the poker run has “arrived” and is now a nationally-recognized event.
However, few people realize the challenges we face in staging this event every year. Since the time it was started in 99Â’, the primary goals of this event were to create a special experience for our participants, and to enable us to give back to our communities by raising money for charity. Fast forward to 2007 and we feel great about how the event has grown, and we still raise a fair amount of money for our charity - but it could be much better!
There are 200 participant boats, but we estimate the poker run draws literally tens of thousands of spectators. Over the course of the past three years and thru poker run registrations, we have raised about $18,000 for charity. While that number is huge to our charity, itÂ’s still small in comparison to how many people enjoy this event.
LetÂ’s change that. This is where everybody who enjoys the poker run can help.
For the past several years, LHC resident Karen Gill, thru her military support charity Troops Now and Tomorrow, Inc., has worked tirelessly to assemble those special care packages we have all become familiar with. The difference is, Karen is very good at what she does. In fact, she was recognized by People magazine for her efforts. However, shipping packages to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan costs money. And while product donations (including 100 ***boat magazines per month from HB) are ample, the cash to ship them is not.
Our poker run seems to have taken on a life of its own, but the reality is, the run was started and continues to be run by a small, core group of regular boaters. We are not a large, corporate giant whose business is promoting poker runs. We have regular jobs, regular boats and families, and work throughout the year to keep this thing going.
This year, as a “thank you” for our efforts, we are asking you to show your appreciation by supporting Troops Now and Tomorrow, Inc..
.
.

[C-2]

On another note, it is also with a saddened and heavy heart to report that 20 year old PFC Kris Taylor lost his battle with brain cancer shortly before Christmas. Some of you might recall Kris was one of eight Marines we invited to last yearÂ’s poker run.
Many of our participants stepped up and took these Marines for an experience they'll never forget, treating them to a special day on the water. A few of you also took time to email kind words of encouragement to PFC Taylor during his battle. A great big THANK YOU is well deserved.
PFC Taylor, who hailed from Texas, wanted nothing more than to stand beside his fellow Marines and serve his country. Godspeed PFC Taylor. You will be missed, but your service never forgotten.
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HereÂ’s how you can help.
Troops Now and Tomorrow, Inc. is a non-profit, tax exempt and qualified charity. We would like to collect contributions and present them to Karen at the poker run. We are hoping to double the amount we raise thru poker run registration, so our goal is to raise $5,000-$10,000 for her charity.
“90% of most Americans want to support the troops, but don’t know how” according to Karen. Like many of you, I fall into that 90% group. Karen’s charity offers a turnkey, easy and quick solution for those of us who want to help, but don’t know how. I will start this thing off by sending Troops Now and Tomorrow a $100 check.
Please also note, these checks will be held and not presented to Karen until April 28, so please make note of the check when reconciling your bank account.
Checks made payable to Troops Now and Tomorrow, Inc. can be sent to the following address:
Troops Now and Tomorrow
c/o Lakeracer LLC
PO Box 86006
Phoenix, Az 85080
If you or your company donates $500 or more, you will receive special recognition at the awards banquet.
Help us make Art fit a bunch of names into an already crowded awards itinerary! (Sorry Art!)

[C-2]

And one last thingÂ…Â…
Over the years and behind the scenes I have helped numerous people on this board. IÂ’ve never expected anything in return, but by my best recollection, I have enough beer coming to keep me happy for a very, very long time.
Please re-direct my beer and turn it into a donation for Troops Now and Tomorrow.
For anybody who knows me personally, me giving up free beer would leave people speechless. However, I am committed to helping Karen and her charity, so please show me your appreciation by supporting her charity.

[TOBTEK]

Have you noticed that the date is listed as April 14 & 15 in Extreme boat mag.

[burtandnancy2]

C2, good luck and see you there...

[LakeRacer]

On another note, it is also with a saddened and heavy heart to report that 20 year old PFC Kris Taylor lost his battle with brain cancer shortly before Christmas. Some of you might recall Kris was one of eight Marines we invited to last yearÂ’s poker run.
Many of our participants stepped up and took these Marines for an experience they'll never forget, treating them to a special day on the water. A few of you also took time to email kind words of encouragement to PFC Taylor during his battle. A great big THANK YOU is well deserved.
PFC Taylor, who hailed from Texas, wanted nothing more than to stand beside his fellow Marines and serve his country. Godspeed PFC Taylor. You will be missed, but your service never forgotten.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
HereÂ’s how you can help.
Troops Now and Tomorrow, Inc. is a non-profit, tax exempt and qualified charity. We would like to collect contributions and present them to Karen at the poker run. We are hoping to double the amount we raise thru poker run registration, so our goal is to raise $5,000-$10,000 for her charity.
“90% of most Americans want to support the troops, but don’t know how” according to Karen. Like many of you, I fall into that 90% group. Karen’s charity offers a turnkey, easy and quick solution for those of us who want to help, but don’t know how. I will start this thing off by sending Troops Now and Tomorrow a $100 check.
Please also note, these checks will be held and not presented to Karen until April 28, so please make note of the check when reconciling your bank account.
Checks made payable to Troops Now and Tomorrow, Inc. can be sent to the following address:
Troops Now and Tomorrow
c/o Lakeracer LLC
PO Box 86006
Phoenix, Az 85080
If you or your company donates $500 or more, you will receive special recognition at the awards banquet.
Help us make Art fit a bunch of names into an already crowded awards itinerary! (Sorry Art!)
Craig,
Count me in for an additional $100. And I won't mind mentioning a few more names at the awards banquet.

[Baja Big Dog]

And one last thingÂ…Â…
Over the years and behind the scenes I have helped numerous people on this board. IÂ’ve never expected anything in return, but by my best recollection, I have enough beer coming to keep me happy for a very, very long time.
Please re-direct my beer and turn it into a donation for Troops Now and Tomorrow.
For anybody who knows me personally, me giving up free beer would leave people speechless. However, I am committed to helping Karen and her charity, so please show me your appreciation by supporting her charity.

Thought about starting a PayPal account to make it alot easier to donate?

[jdnichols]

Thought about starting a PayPal account to make it alot easier to donate?
We accept Mastercard and Visa thru our online store, I can setup a donation charge and make it 50,100,150,200 ect.
Would that make it easier?

[shueman]

$6k a year is a disappointment, IMO....

[dicudmore]

where's the entry list boys and girls??
I can't wait to see the line-up of hitters for this one!