Sequim Valley Lions Club is revving its fundraising engines early for its second Benefit Poker Run, to be held July 31.

Ken Cram, manager of Islander Pizza and Pasta Shack, and the Lions' incoming vice president, said last year's event raised about $500 with no advertising.

This year he's set a goal for $4,000 so the club can have more funds for special events and local services.

"We want to bring another big event for the Lions to the forefront in Sequim," Cram said.

So far, he's partnered with more than 10 businesses, including principal sponsor A-1 Auto Parts.

Sponsors receive their names on custom T-shirts for the event. Those sponsorships nearly are full.

Cram said opportunities are available for donations of gift cards, merchandise, certificates and more.

Donations are tax deductible.

All proceeds go to support the Lions' humanitarian efforts.

Unique support

Laurie Tanguay, owner of Lobo Designs, said she owes her eyesight to the Lions and always will do what she can to help them.

When she was 42, an industrial accident with lasers caused her to develop cataracts.

Tanguay was active fixing computers in her previous community, and the local Lions Club offered to pay for the surgery to fix one of her eyes.

"I didn't know how bad it was until I went to an eye doctor," Tanguay said.

"I had no idea of the Lions program until somebody suggested I contact them."

Afterward, Tanguay became an advocate and spoke at various Lions events as testimony on how their programs help people in the community.

The surgery allows her to continue working as a graphic artist. She designed the T-shirt for the Poker Run.

Poker Run details

The Poker Run makes a large loop with five stops across Clallam County. It begins and ends at Islander Pizza and Pasta Shack in Sequim.

At each stop, participants pick up a card. Whoever collects the best poker hand wins.

Stops include:

• Junction Tavern, Port Angeles

• Family Kitchen, Joyce

• Hungry Bear Cafe, Beaver

• Castaways Night Club, Port Angeles

• Islander Pizza and Pasta Shack, Sequim

The trip takes three to four hours.

Prizes, contest

It costs $20 per driver and $15 per passenger with T-shirt and barbecued cheeseburger lunch for each, plus prizes to be awarded. Trophies will be given for best hot rod, motorcycle and people's choice.

Also at the Islander will be a 50/50 drawing and lug nut tossing contest. T-shirts will be on sale for $20.

Cram says running an event like this is something he needed to do as a community figure.

"Debbie (his wife) and I feel that community support is important as a business owner," he said.

"We sponsor soccer, baseball and other charities because we want to give back, and hopefully the community will choose us for dining out. We're big on buying local and supporting local."

Cram can be reached at 683-9999 or by visiting the Islander Pizza and Pasta Shack at 580 E. Washington St., Sequim.

Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.