Flathead Lakers Paddle Event Draws a Full House

PRESS RELEASE
July 17,2015
For more information contact:
Dana Johnston, Flathead Lakers volunteer
303-668-4535 (cell)
[email protected]
Flathead Lakers Paddle Event Draws a Full House
150 paddlers gathered at Kings Point on July 12 to participate in the first Flathead Lakers
Poker Paddle. The event showcased the recreational value of Flathead Lake while
promoting the Lakers’ mission to protect clean water in the lake and its watershed.
The fundraiser reached the set limit of 100 human-propelled vessels. Paddlers employed
canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and two swimmers navigated the course in the
Narrows while collecting cards at various island stops.
Board President Greg McCormick
and volunteer organizers Dana and
Mark Johnston were pleasantly
surprised by the turnout.
“Enthusiasm from participants and
the business community has been
phenomenal,” McCormick said.
“We exceeded our expectations for
this first time event and we are
truly grateful for so much
support.”
Volunteer Coordinator Heidi
Sedivy, who came up with the poker paddle idea, said the Flathead Lakers were “looking
for a signature event that would be fun and appeal to a broad audience.”
The Poker Paddle hit the mark. Participants ranging in age from 18 to 80 traveled the
course at their own pace, socializing with fellow paddlers and building their poker hands.
Some added their own artistic spin by wearing costumes and decorating their boats.
The ingenuity of the paddlers did not go unnoticed. “We are inspired to add more prize
categories to recognize the creativity of this crowd at next year’s event, Dana said.”
Gourmet Galley of Woods Bay catered the event with Glacier Brewing of Polson.
Montana Dark Horse Band entertained the crowd.
Prizes were awarded to Ryan Windauer for the best poker hand, Ronn Noble for second
best hand and Cara Harrop for the worst hand. Raffle prizes valued at $2,400 were also
awarded.
Founded in 1958 and with a current membership of 1,500, the Lakers advocate for clean
water, healthy ecosystems, and lasting quality of life in the Flathead Watershed. Proceeds
of nearly $5,000 from the Poker Paddle will benefit the organization’s student education
program including annual field trips to the Flathead Lake Biological Station at Yellow
Bay for elementary school students.
The Flathead Lakers thank our sponsors and donors for their generous support:
Sponsors
Alpine Landscape & Design, Polson
Anderson Broadcasting, Ronan
Flathead Lake Open Water Swimmers, Polson
Glacier Bank, Polson
Glacier Perks, Lakeside
Kalispell Toyota, Kalispell
KwaTaqNuk Resort & Casino, Polson
Marina Cay Conference Center & Resort, Bigfork
Mission Valley Physical Therapy, Polson
Sportsman & Ski Haus, Kalispell
St. Luke Community Healthcare, Ronan
Donors
Base Camp, Bigfork
Cabela’s, Kalispell
Captain’s Marine, Kalispell
Coast Guard Auxiliary, 13th District
David Caselli, Massage Therapist
Don Aadsen Ford, Ronan
First Citizens Bank, Polson
Flathead Raft Company, Polson
City Brew, Missoula
Gull Printing, Polson
Kiska’s by the Lake, Bigfork
Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply, Polson
REI, Missoula
Rocky Mountain Outfitters, Kalispell
Total Screen Design, Polson
Xtreme Weed & Pest, Ronan
And our wonderful volunteers, hosts, participants, and safety crew (Polson Search and
Rescue)