Lions Lake Martin Poker Run

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER & BREANNA MANLEY

Families, friends and co-workers teamed up to raise funds for Alexander City Lions Club at this year's Lions Lake Martin Poker Run, hosted by Russell Marine. Teams visited five marinas, collecting cards and goodies and met up at The Ridge Marina at the end of the day to see who had the best hand.

While temperatures pushed well into the 90s, the rain held off all day, and boaters had a great time. Shades of Gray played at the after party and awards ceremony this year.

More than 200 hands were sold at $175 each, and players picked up cash prizes, giveaways and more at each stop.

Clockwise from Left: From Jurassic Park were Anna, Josh, Garrett and Jack Stuedeman, Aaron Schaffner and Megan and Trace Parker; Matt and Stephanie Harkins, Ashley Schloegel, Jennifer Clark and Christie Sutton celebrated Stephanie's birthday; The Zissner Team included Kendell Willett, Stephanie and Ken Peavy, Keven Belt and Cason Willet; Dawn and Ray Reeves and Sandy and Tony Littleford ushered in Christmas in July; On the Buccee's boat were Kenny, Lindsey, Anthony, Railyn, Ronnie and Lynn Fuller, Brianna and Hunter Vickers, Angie Kittrell and Chad Caldwell; Beth, Russ and Jackson Campbell, Macie, Deuce and Maggie Taylor, Andy Knight, Emily Edgar and Kelly Johnson paid a tribute to America at Work; Todd and Sheila Fuller, Dawson and Danielle Jordan, Kimberly, Chad, Adalyn and Catherine Carter showed "snow" much love for Lake Martin.

This Page Clockwise from Left: Margaret Walker opened the treasure chest to win additional prizes; The Pac Man Team included Caroline, Sally and Katherine Warren, Kaylee Peavy, Izzy White, June Duck, Elizabeth Stewart, Aly Wood, Katie Prodoehl and Lindsay Grant; Mermaids with Margaritas were Joe Abercrombie, Cindy Hearn, Tynie Monk and Todd Casper; Making a Par-Tee of the event were Wood, Callie and Ross Jinright, Jimmy, Cindy, Carli and Brax Barron, Gary Baker, Lauren Phillips and Buddy Fennell; And Sandra and Tim Moser, Jody and Angi Pilkenton, Jeff and Amber Davis and Richard and Dee Dee Mooremon floated with flags.

More than $25,000 was raised for local charities through this year's event.

This Page Clockwise from Above: Chris Coan won best hand; The Skeleton Crew even included the pups; BAE Watch brought out the hunks and babes with Bryan and Andrea Parrott, Paige Watts, Chase Wood, Sam Wells, Tucker Runnion, Shannon Jones, Hayden Hugeley and Justin Mitchell; Titanic took first place in the best crew and boat decorations category with Ashley Laptas, Patrick Cosgrove, Kevin Harper, Paige Crutchfield, Jack Konas, Kennerly Werner and Davis and Stephen Elliott.

Over the last 20 years, more than $325,000 has been raised through the Lions Lake Martin Poker Run, and it's been a lot of fun!