There were 10 stops along Saturday’s Emerald Coast Poker Run but Juana’s Pagodas was a clear favorite for boaters participating in the event.

The 16th annual charity event is the Emerald Coast Foundation’s largest fundraiser. The organization donates funds to groups such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the YMCA and area youth centers.
Since 1993, the foundation has donated more than $1 million to local youth non-profit organizations, according to its Web site, www.emeraldcoastfoundation.org.
This year, 192 boats participated, but 250 were registered.
“I spoke to the organizers and they are very happy,”  said Kevin Rudzki of Juana’s the day of the event.  “They said poker run entries across the country are down by around 50 percent. Considering the weather and the price of gas, everyone is excited with the turnout.”

 

For more on this story, see the Aug. 21 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online