Splash for the Kids Charity Poker Run

The 2026 Splash for the Kids Charity Powerboat Poker Run will take place Friday, July 31, 2026, in the St. Clair Shores area of Michigan. Now in its fourth year, the event brings performance boaters together for a charity poker run, lunch, prizes, and a day on the water benefiting St. Jude.

The event was co-founded by Chip Miller of Miller Marina and Eric Lafata of Lafata Custom Paint, both long-time boating industry business owners. According to the event organizers, both men lost their fathers at an early age, which helped shape the event’s focus on supporting children and families facing difficult circumstances.

The 2026 run will begin at HOOK in St. Clair Shores at 9 a.m. From there, participating boats are scheduled to head to the twin lighthouses for the first card handoff before continuing to Sinbad’s Restaurant & Marina, Latitudes Restaurant and Bar, Miller Marina Gas Dock, and Metro Beach Back Bay. The run will then return to HOOK for lunch and prizes.

Participants will pick up envelopes at designated stops, with poker hands revealed after the run has concluded. The three best hands will receive prizes. Organizers note that the route and schedule are subject to change as the event gets closer.

Registration is limited to 60 boats, and all boats must be registered and paid before the event. The poker run entry fee is listed at $500 and includes two wristbands, two T-shirts, and two tickets to Chef Bobby’s lunch. Additional wristbands are listed at $125 each.

Splash for the Kids reported that its previous poker run drew more than 200 people and more than 40 fast boats, raising over $20,000 for Tennessee Children’s Home. For 2026, proceeds are directed to St. Jude to support children in need of medical care.

The event is held rain or shine, and registration is treated as a charitable donation. Organizers state that registrations are nonrefundable and that the event will not be rescheduled for unfavorable weather.