CASA of Hancock County will hold its 5th Annual Poker Run presented by Gulf Coast Pools on Saturday, July 14. Pre-registration will be held Friday, July 13th at the Red Zone in Diamondhead, the Ugly Pirate in Bay St. Louis or Jourdan River Steamer in Kiln. Day-of registration will begin at 11 a.m. at the Bay St. Louis Harbor. All participants should be back at the Harbor by 5 p.m. Additionally, CASA will hold a small silent auction with summer/outdoor themed items and drinks will be available for purchase.
“The Poker Run is a fun event that gets friends and families together to support the work of CASA in the community”, said Mike Favre, Poker Run Chairman. CASA is encouraging the boating community, as well as local Jeep clubs, car clubs, and motorcycle groups to participate. Participants purchase a poker hand for $20 and the best three poker hands get to choose from amazing prizes.
This year’s Poker Run stops include The Blind Tiger, Buoys Bar, Dan B’s, Tripletails, Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar, Bodega, the Ugly Pirate, Daiquiri Shak, Bay Marina, Broke Spoke, the Cannon’s Camp on Jourdan River, the Red Zone, Diamondhead Ship Store, Jourdan River Steamer and the Bay St. Louis Harbor.
CASA of Hancock County is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that utilizes trained community members to advocate for children who through no fault of their own are involved in the complex and overburdened child welfare and youth court systems.
CASA relies on the community’s support to continue this work. Presently, 75 volunteers are advocating for 152 children; however, an additional 90 children are unserved by CASA because of a lack of volunteers. CASA hopes to recruit and train at least 30 new volunteers this year. Although the program is comprised of volunteers, there are costs associated with screening, training and supporting volunteer child advocates. Monies raised from the poker run will ensure that the CASA program not only continues but also increases the number of children served.