Thread:

Toys for Tots Poker Run

I was contacted by Russ Matos who puts on the Toys for Tots Poker Run in Florida each
December. He is looking for some help from the boaters out west and I think that we should find a way to help him. For example, for $150 donation you get your business name
on the tshirts that he sells. What a bargain.

Russ is a LEO ready to retire that lives in Orlando. The first weekend after Thanksgiving
is the poker run and it costs a whopping $7 to enter! Last year over 100 boats participated
and he hopes for 300 boats this year! There is no prize purse either, the Marines take all
the money for the Toys for Tots program.

The poker run is from Palatka (south of Jacksonville) and it goes 23 miles to Georgetown on the St Johns River which has no speed limit. He of course reminds everyone that it is not a
race but he loves it when they let her rip!

He doesn't make a penny for all of his efforts and simply wants to make some children happy with the toy donations that are received. He mentioned that the boys at Offshore
Only have been receptive and frankly, I think we can do better than them!

Contact information is Russ Matos and I think on Offshore Only he goes by akaraceboatruss. His phone number is 407-760-3481. He is not looking for money right
now, that comes much later in the year. He is simply looking for commitments from people that will probably be willing to help. As I mentioned before he is an LEO almost ready to
retire so he may not be able to always answer the phone so leave a message.

I realize that most of us won't be driving to Florida in December but perhaps we could
show them that the west coast boaters are generous and we can send some toys for the
kids.

Keith Sayre
Nordic Boats
Lake Havasu City

Originally Posted by WATERDOG

I think we should get some sales guy from a major boat mfg. in the local area to throw one together on the same date in Havi. Hint, Hint.

Sounds like a perfect Ideal, then we can make the donation under the same name he uses. Cuts out the middle man and still makes money for the kids without taking away from what they are doing back east. Step up Kieth

You know what, I agree. Why didn't I think of that? I'm going to discuss it with Russ and then with my boss. I'm sure he'll go for it too!

Keith Sayre
Nordic Boats