>> FUND-RAISER
Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center (GOCHC) at The Depot hosted its annual Sinclair Poker Run June 24, with the highest attendance since its 2019 start.
The Sinclair Poker Run was inspired by sponsor Chris Justice of Justice Marina at Lake Oconee.
In order to make each year a unique experience for players, GOCHC makes annual changes to the day’s plan and map.
As players/boaters take part in a scavenger hunt across Lake Sinclair, they also learn about the rich history of the lake while competing for cash prizes. Players showed up in all kinds of boats, including pontoons, fishing boats, performance craft, and even a few jet skis to take part.
“What makes the event so enjoyable is being able to explore the lake and enjoy a relaxing lunch with your fellow players. There is a sense of community and competition that sparks our players to return each year and brings in new players,” said Amy Wright, executive director of Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center at The Depot. “We give them a history of Lake Sinclair that is a part of our goal as the heritage center to share the history of the area, so they are able to also learn while exploring.”
The day began at 9 a.m. with a sign–in for boat drivers at Dennis Station in Putnam County. At 10 a.m., players set out with a map to three locations on the lake to pick up playing cards in a sealed envelope. At noon, players took a break at Goat Island for a cook-out catered by Aubri Lane’s at The Club at Lake Sinclair. The players then set out for their last two card stops before returning to Dennis Station where players opened their sealed envelopes.
“Teresa Blevins was the $1,000 first-place prize winner with four 8s and Heather Vaughn won the $500 second-place prize with four 6s,” said Wright. “Teresa informed us that she plans to use some of her prize money to buy a GOCHC membership so she can keep up with future GOCHC events – and especially next year’s Poker Run! It’s always exciting to have people support the events they enjoy.”
With winners announced, the day ended with a lakeside concert by the Fall Line Rambler band, a new addition to the Poker Run based on a suggestion by Jeff Allridge, manager of The Club at Lake Sinclair.
“We are always looking for ways to improve the poker run from our players and I think the concert was a brilliant way to end the event,” said Wright.
“We plan to have another concert at next year’s poker run and perhaps some new additions, once we receive the feedback from our players.”
The Sinclair Poker Run raises money for Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center depot renovation.
The Depot Project funds the renovation of Central State’s Hospital depot to transform the space into a heritage center. The center will preserve history of the local community and the state, from visits by the earliest Native American hunters, through the frontier and antebellum years, to the 21st century.
“We are currently on phase II of the project, which includes raising funds for the architectural plans and interior renovations,” said Wright.
“We host fundraisers throughout the year and accept donations all year.
It’s an ongoing project and one we are very excited to complete.”
The Sinclair Poker Run was made possible by GOCHC volunteers, Poker Run players, and the support of much-appreciated sponsors, including Sunset Marina/Dyer Construction, Century Bank, Williams Funeral Home, and Aubri Lanes at The Club at Lake Sinclair.