By Kasie Boling
Setting sail on Friday and September 12-13 will be the Pirates of Lanier Poker Run, bringing a wave of changes to this annual event. It supports two charities: K9s for Warriors and Foster Care Support Foundation.
Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma. With the majority of dogs being rescues, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery, saving lives on both ends of the leash.
Foster Care Support Foundation serves a vital and growing need throughout Georgia by providing free resources to displaced children in foster and kinship care. It partners with Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services, private child placement agencies, school counselors, Georgia State University’s Project Healthy Grandparents, and faith-based organizations to identify and verify children in need.
The man responsible for the selection of charities marks another impactful change to the event. The new “captain” at the helm of the 2025 Pirates of Lanier Poker Run is lifelong boating enthusiast and longtime Poker Run participant, Zach Martin.
When asked about his choice of charities, he stated, “A few things were needed to meet our criteria for charity selection. One was that we wanted to support veterans. I am a former military member, along with my father and grandfather. Those who served and need support deserve that. As for the Foster Care Support Foundation, it rips me apart to see a child be without the love and support of a family. Georgia does an excellent job with education support, so we are focusing on the child’s livelihood and how to help them become productive members of society. That starts with a stable, loving household.”
Described by Martin as a total revamp, among the changes coming to the Poker Run is a return to its former powerboat event status. “We want the big, bad powerboats,” he explains. “That is what draws in out-of-towners, helps generate revenue locally, grows awareness about Lake Lanier as a top-tier destination, and – most importantly – brings in good money for the charities as well.”
To register for the 2025 Pirates of Lanier Poker Run and view the event schedule – streamlined from a four-day event to two days this year, prospective participants are encouraged to visit www.LakeLanierPokerRuns.com.
Potential sponsors can also view the various sponsorship levels and gain their sponsorship at the event website. As the event draws closer, Pirates of Lanier Poker Run fans are encouraged to visit the website often as event updates are added, or like the Poker Run Facebook page. To order an event T-shirt, click here.
Lanier Islands Resort has designed exclusive accommodation specials for Poker Run participants. To view the Pirates of Lanier Poker Run accommodation package and make overnight reservations, pirates are invited to visit the Poker Run Lodging Discount Link or call 770-945-8787. Participants can also enjoy 20 percent savings at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort – Lanier Islands.
GBC among top workplaces for third year in a row
For the third consecutive year, Georgia Banking Company (GBC) has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2025 honor by The Atlanta Journal Constitution. This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC, a provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. The survey measures 15 key culture drivers critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution, and connection.
Bartow Morgan Jr., CEO of Georgia Banking Company, says: “Being named a Top Workplace for the third consecutive year is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the incredible culture we’ve built together at GBC. This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from our employees’ feedback. It reaffirms our commitment of fostering a workplace where people feel valued, connected and empowered to grow.”
GBC’s rapid growth has fueled investments in employee development, recognition and community engagement – strengthening our positive workplace culture. At our core, we’re committed to creating growth opportunities for employees and customers, supporting our communities, and helping businesses and customers thrive.
