Big Wow Poker Run raises $1500 for Bouffe Pontiac
Clifford Welsh
SHAWVILLE – 146 four-wheelers and side-by-sides toured the Pontiac on Saturday, April 6 as part of the Quad Club du Pontiac’s annual Big Wow Poker Run.
Enthusiastic entries came from as far as Eastern Ontario, Maniwaki and Gatineau, as well as many from the Pontiac, to vie for cash prizes for the best poker hands. Participants departed from the Shawville arena at 9:00 a.m. and proceeded at their own pace, stopping at distribution points in Quyon, Lac-des-Loups, Ladysmith, and Otter Lake before returning to Shawville for a scheduled 4:00 p.m. finish.
Riders received a sealed envelope containing a playing card at each stop. The envelopes were opened upon return at the arena to determine who had collected the best poker hand. Paul Morin of Limoges, ON, had the best hand, winning $500; Teron Young of Clarendon came in second for $300; and “Mike the Pike” of Lac-des-Loups won third, receiving $200.
Riders also enjoyed a spaghetti supper with salad, bun, dessert and coffee or tea. Numerous door prizes were donated by both local and distant businesses and Pierre Laprete won $412 in the 50/50 draw.
Quad Club President René Barrette described how Club events support the local economy with participants spending at least $100 on average at local businesses. He explained that the Club makes it a priority to locally source services and materials for their many projects. Barrette also emphasized that Club events support Pontiac tourism with close to 95% of participants coming from outside the region.
Club Director of Activities Guy Chenier emceed the awards and dinner portion of the event and reminded all participants that the Club’s existence depends on goodwill between the Club and the municipalities they ride through; respect for others always being the order of the day.
Quad Club Secretary/Treasurer Dianne Barrette announced that the fundraiser event had raised $1500 for Bouffe Pontiac.
