Poker Run 2025 Update on Richland Chambers Lake

For nine years RE/MAX Lakeside Dreams has been working hard to support our lake area volunteer fire departments (VFDs) with an annual fundraiser called Fuel the Firefighters. The idea to raise money for the fire departments started in 2016 when we learned that our only rescue boat on the lake was not running because the motor was blown while towing a boat from The Harbor Marina to the south side of the lake. This boat services the entire lake and is vital to the safety of all our lake residents and visitors. John and Julie Teel decided to host a fundraiser to “Rescue the Rescue Boat.” That year more than double the amount needed for the repair was raised due to the generosity of our lake residents.

It became apparent that Richland Chambers Lake needed an annual fundraising event to assist our local volunteer fire departments. Benefit RC, a 501(c)(3) corporation, was formed to plan and host the annual event. Board members, John Teel, Julie Teel, Kay Bradshaw, Bob Griffin, Linda Denning, Laura Osiecki and Dan Wilkie meet and plan all year to ensure a successful event for our firefighters.

Proceeds from the event are allocated to five VFDs around the lake – Southern Oaks VFD, 287 R/C Fire & Rescue, Kerens VFD, Eureka VFD, and Mildred VFD. Money from the fundraiser has been used to purchase crucial lifesaving and firefighting equipment, such as, extrication equipment, AEDs, truck fuel, truck tires, safety gear for the firefighters, hoses for the fire trucks, and rescue tools, just to name some of the items purchased.

Once again, The Harbor Restaurant will be our host location for the fundraiser. The 2025 event will include Lunch, a Silent Auction, a Live Auction, a Live Band, and a Poker Run. The Poker Run has you collecting poker chips around the lake to exchange for a poker hand. You can collect your chips on water or on land. If you don’t want to go around the lake, you can obtain a “Super Chip” and collect your chips at The Harbor Restaurant.

We have many volunteer opportunities if you would like to get involved in this great event. As with all fundraising events, volunteers and sponsorships are essential keys to success. Our goal is always to raise as much money as possible and we need sponsorships and volunteers to help ensure another great success. We also need donations for the Silent Auction. You can call the287 RE/MAX office at 903-874-0003 or the Streetman RE/MAX office at 903-874-0007 if you have questions or would like to volunteer.