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Grab A Paddle To Support Wildlife

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

Brian Ruddeforth, owner of Canoe Outpost in Wimauma, will host the first Poker Paddle Run on the Little Manatee River Sept. 13 to benefit Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary.

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By LOIS KINDLE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 10, 2008

WIMAUMA - Brian Ruddeforth and his wife, Andrea, love all things outdoors, so raising money for animals is just an extension of the life they live.

The one-time city slickers own Canoe Outpost and will host their first Poker Paddle Run on Saturday to benefit Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary.

"My wife has been closely involved with Elmira's for the past three years," Ruddeforth said. "The shelter is in a growth process and currently needs funds, so in addition to our personal donations, we felt it was important to organize and host this event.

"We love animals, and we want the organization to thrive."

The event is a water version of the classic poker run, where participants seek out designated locations to collect playing cards to put together the best poker hand they can. In the paddle run, contestants will paddle or kayak five miles downstream on the Little Manatee River and pick up six cards along the way. To improve the odds of winning, they may purchase additional cards with a donation. The winning hand receives $100.

The cost is $20 per participant, with a free shuttle back to the outpost. Canoe rental is $30 for those who don't own a boat.

People who aren't paddlers can support the cause and participate for the cash by drawing cards at various event tables. The event will include a drawing for paddling and wildlife items, music and animal exhibits. Proceeds from all sales, rentals and contests will go to Elmira's.

Robin Greenwood, sanctuary president, said the money will go toward building play areas for the animals and a parking lot, pouring a concrete slab and buying food.

The fun starts at 2 p.m. at the outpost, the last boat will launch at 4. The award ceremony will be at 6:30, followed by a campfire gathering at 7:30.

Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing care, life management and enrichment to exotic and wild animals in need of a home and to increase community awareness of their needs. To make a tax-deductible donation, mail a check to P.O. Box 63, Wimauma FL 33598.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Poker Paddle Run, a fundraiser for Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary.

WHERE: Canoe Outpost, 18001 U.S. 301 S., Wimauma.

WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday

COST: $20 per participant; nonplaying visitors, free; canoe rentals available for $30.

INFORMATION: www .canoeingfun.com or www.elmiraswildlife.org. To preregister or reserve a boat, call (813) 634-2228.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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