Wake Up! Power Boats Launch Benefit for Leukemia in Niantic

Niantic's promises to be busy today as boaters gather for the third annual Leukemia Cup Poker Run. 

The event is open to boats of all sizes and everyone has a fighting chance, because it isn't a race. The point of the exercise is to visit different stops, including City Pier in New London, to pick up playing cards. Prizes will be awarded at the after-party to the boaters who have the best three poker hands. People without boats may also participate.

Last year, the event raised $20,400 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which supports research into blood cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma.

People can register for the Leukemia Cup Poker Run today from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic and at City Pier in New London. The poker run itself goes from noon to 4 p.m., with an after-party at Harbor Hill Marina from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.