For 31 years Cindra Mielke and Jeni Hammond have been making swims from different points around the island to Kelleys Island for Make-A-Wish. Last year’s swim raised over $60,000 granting 6 wishes to children in our area.
2025’s swim started at the west can off Carpenters Point between Put-in-Bay and Kelleys, ending at the Casino Dock in just about 2 hours with 1-3 ft aves and a SE wind and Calyin Mielke (Cindra’s 13 yr old grand-daughter) swam with us. Starting the next generation. She stayed right with us and made us proud. One little Wish child (2yrs old) blew us a kiss from shore as we swam by. That kiss is what this is all about. Afterwards Wish families and islanders meet at the Pavillion for a cook-out & fun. Snickers, the Balloon Man, entertained all the kids and made some fantastic balloon animals.
The Saturday Poker Run ended at the KI Wine Company & Cantina raising almost $16,000 alone on Saturday. Over 300 hands were sold, 66 baskets raffled off along with 2 Pit Boss Grills, many tools, $300 Lottery Tree & the 50/50 was generously donated back. Huge “Thank you” to all that volunteered and participated on this sunny day.
Ed Kuchar was our largest donor, giving us a check for $20,000 in hopes that others might match his donation. This donation alone granted 2 children’s wishes. Thank you to the Kuchar family for your support over the years.
Many thanks go to: Our husbands & families. Kelleys Island Ferry Line & the Palladino family, the Kuchar family, the Kelleys Island Wine Co & the Zettler & Rosado families, Do it Best RSV of Medina (grills), Rocky & Paige Allen, All Ports Yacht Club (baskets), George & Sharon Wilson, Val Pathways. The Pump, Caddy Shack & Dockers (for food), Island Market, Rob Watkins & family, Seaway Marina & Jen Dugan, Casino (for letting us swim in there), WCPZ, Randy Hugg & Troy Baumgartner, All the businesses on Kelleys, Port Clinton, Marblehead & Catawba Island (for gift cards & donations). If we missed your name, please know that we do appreciate you and are forever grateful.
This years Poker Run will be Saturday, August 1st with registering and starting from the Island House (9am), where there will be breakfast drinks available. Swim will be Sunday, August 2nd. Plan your reservations NOW!
Thank you for supporting us though-out these years. Blessings until we see you again.
