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Sarasota Smiles
Poker Run Becomes Child SMILE America Tour Stop
Rides and Funds to benefit United Way of Sarasota County, Children’s Haven & Adult Community Services and the Suncoast Foundation for the Handicapped
By Michelle May -Schmidt

Ft. Lauderdale, FL - - As Poker Runs America Magazine kicks off the first of its 2003 events in Sarasota, a winning hand is being introduced not just to the boaters who come from across the country to attend, but to those who live right here in the community. Those, in fact, who have no boat and in almost all cases have never been on a ride in one in their entire life.
No matter. To the kids of the Children’s Haven & Adult Community Services and the Suncoast Foundation for the Handicapped, a ride in the Zero Cavity Racing Boat from Powerboat Racing Dentist, Dr. Gerardo Santiago, is just what the doctor ordered. A spin at the helm of the PokerRun.com Paceboat from the "Santa Claus of Offshore," Barkley Geib, is also certain to draw a few Sarasota Smiles from the deck.
Santiago and Geib will arrive in Sarasota on Friday, March 21st .as part of the 2003 Child SMILE America Tour to provide both powerboat rides and souvenirs to the kids during the 2003 Sarasota Poker Run, part of the American Poker Runs Association (APRA) sanctioned events. And while the entrants of the Poker Run vie for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes on the luck of their draw, a winning hand has already been dealt to the foundations that will each receive a check for $2,500.00, courtesy of Geib.
"Andrew Moon and Eddie Ward, friends of mine from Sarasota, heard about the great work being done at United Way of Sarasota County. After speaking to United Way about their Early Childhood Development Program, we thought that the Children’s Haven & Adult Community Services fit perfectly into our Child SMILE America Tour. The kids will get the powerboat rides and the program will get the donation to help them continue showing the kids that there are people out there who care and we care all year long. It’s all about the little people," said Geib, of Georgia's Lake Lanier, who is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of his own APRA sanctioned Poker Run event in August.
"This past year, the need for services among our 39 United Way non-profit member agencies has significantly increased. The generosity of Barkley Geib, and this exciting event venue, could not have come at a better time for United Way and the local children and families we provide services to on a daily basis," said Lucy Nicandri, Director of Marketing and Communications for United Way of Sarasota County, Inc.
Working with the Sarasota Offshore Racing Association (SORA) and the Suncoast Foundation for the Handicapped is especially satisfying for Santiago, who began giving his Ride of a Lifetime over four years ago to the kids of that organization and now joins in the Child SMILE America Tour.
"I carry a soft spot in my heart for the kids from Sarasota and am excited to be able to bring my boat back to give them the rides this year. We always have fun on the water and they love driving my boat!" said the Doctor, from Naples. Santiago will not only defend his National and World Champion Titles on the APBA Offshore circuit this year but will provide rides at Poker Runs on the eight city tour, as well. Both Santiago and Geib will return to Sarasota in October for the Poker Runs America Event as well.
"We are very fortunate to have the generosity of Barkley Geib, Dr. Santiago, and our sponsors; Poker Runs America Magazine, Competitive EDGE Marine, and the Offshore Racing Review, as the foundation for our Tour. We hope that more companies will join us in our pledge to make the world a better tomorrow for our kids, starting today," said Michelle May – Schmidt, founder of the Tour.
The Poker Runs America Sarasota Event kicks off on Friday, March 21st and is headquartered at the Hyatt Sarasota on Sarasota Bay. The 2003 Child SMILE Tour Rides will be held at 3:00pm at the docks adjacent to the Hyatt.