Ugly Sweater Poker Run donates to Quilts of Valor

BY Dawn Rankins

Friends who invite friends every December for the Annual Ugly Sweater Poker Run make donations to help various organizations within the community such as raising money for children, elderly, veterans and families/individuals in need.

The Poker Run marked 14 years of Canyon Lakers playing a progressive poker game by way of golf cart, raising money and giving back to the community. This year the poker run raised $12,000 throughout the day with roughly 350 participating on 180 golf carts.

Several Canyon Lake-related organizations received significant donations from the proceeds of the Poker Run.

A small group of the quilt ladies work on a Quilt of Valor at the Canyon Lake Senior Center. They are, from left, Sally Isaacson, Jeananne McGough, Ronda McCord and Kathy Barbay.

One of the groups that received a donation was the ladies of the Canyon Lake Senior Center. The ladies get together on a regular basis to make Quilts of Valor to donate to veterans.

Those at the Senior Center making the quilts had plenty to say about their experience.

“Our goal is to make 10 Quilts of Valor this year,” Kathy Barbay said. “This is the second time we received a donation from the money raised from the poker run.”

“We had six patriotic quilt kits donated to us,” Kathy said. “I’m excited to be a part of making these quilts and giving them to vets. This is my way of giving back.”

“Any time you have an opportunity to honor a vet, you should,” Ronda McCord said. “This is my way. This is the best of both worlds for me. I enjoy quilting, so helping with the Quilts of Valor while doing what I enjoy, is wonderful.”

Sally Isaacson, left, and Kathy Barbay prep one of the donated Quilts of Valor kits to get it ready to sew. Photo by Dawn Rankins

“I’m a Coast Guard baby,” Sally Isaacoson said. “I was born on a naval ship. My dad was in the Coast Guard and the ship I was born on was a naval ship hospital. My grandson is also in the Coast Guard. Quilts of Valor is close to my heart.”

“I’ve only been helping with the Quilts of Valor for the last couple of years,” Jeananne McGough said. “I had seen an article about the Quilts of Valor and the sewing group here at the Senior Center and it sparked my interest. The POA put me in contact with Kathy Barbay and she welcomed me right into the group. She couldn’t have been more welcoming.”

“I love red, white and blue. I am married to a vet,” Jeananne said, “The comradery of working on these quilts is the best feeling. I’m giving back to our vets, and hoping they get a glimpse of how much they are appreciated for the sacrifices they made for our country.”

“We are so appreciative to have received not only patriotic quilt kits, but fabric from the funds raised at the poker run,” Kathy said. “Thank you for this wonderful gift to our group and we look forward to giving back to a vet.”

Not only did the ladies of the Senior Center receive the quilt kits, but The Canyon Lake Family Matters Club received a donation of $1,500 to put towards its winter carnivals and Gifts from Santa event.

The American Cancer Fighter Foundation received a donation of $1,000 to put towards its holiday endeavors for first responders who have cancer.

Arturo’s Toy Box received a donation that allowed it to spend over $3,000 on toys, outfits, makeup, games and other things. Six kids from Canyon Lake were taken to 5 Below to shop.

Michelle’s Place was provided a check for $5,000 by funds raised during the silent auction portion of the Poker Run. The community of Canyon Lake is able to utilize the free resources from Michelle’s Place.

The Poker Run takes place every December and raises money for various organizations that help the community.