Power-Couples And More Cruise Into The 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run

There has to be something in the clear St. Lawrence River water that brings out romance in the go-fast boating community—at least during the annual 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run in Clayton, N.Y. Chad and Ashley Shutter of BRP Marine Custom in North Carolina got engaged three years ago at the annual event. Stu and Jackie Jones of the Florida Powerboat Club are there right now celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary during the ninth annual affair benefitting Make-A-Wish of Central New York, the Wellness Program at River Hospital and more.

Florida Powerboat Club leaders Stu and Jackie Jones are celebrating their 20th anniversary. Photos by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos.

Marine insurance-and-finance man Devin Wozencraft is there with his “work wife,” Tanah Kinsey. So, too, are John and Robin Cosker of Mystic Powerboats, though they really are married.

Chad and Ashley Shutter were engaged during the 2022 happening.

Those couples and more were onboard last night’s 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run Sunset Cruise, a fine tradition the organizers added several years ago. And speedonthewater.com contributor Jeff Helmkamp was there to capture it all.

Original members of the event’s organizing group, Ken and Renee Lalonde actually met in the 1,000 Islands area. Now they are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary.

Captured here with fellow organizers Courtney Rutherford (left), Ken and Renee Lalonde got their start as a couple in the 1,000 Islands area.

“Ken and I were engaged, married and celebrated our anniversary here a couple of weeks ago,” said Renee.

Organizing committee-member Courtney Rutherford and his wife, Louisa, can the area home.

“By all accounts everyone had a great time,” he said. “The food was top-tier and the drinks were flowing.

(From left) Stunt-couple Devin Wozencraft and Tanah Kinsey canoodled with Robin and John Cosker.

“The weather was extremely hot and humid. “But a storm started to roll in before sundown, which increased winds and cooled it down.”

Young Skater-man Blake Mahieu and his girlfriend Hailey Iten took in the sights from the top deck.

On tap this evening, the 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run will take over downtown Clayton from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Enjoy more images from yesterday’s welcome event.

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