The Atlantic Coast Powerboat Association will host its second annual Tip of the Spear Powerboat Poker Run on June 27 and 28 at Waterside Marina in Norfolk, VA. This fundraising event supports the SEAL Legacy Foundation and the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Association, providing critical resources to U.S. Special Forces and their families - including emergency family assistance, Gold Star and surviving family support, scholarships, and brain health and trauma treatment.
The event has also drawn two major sponsors, Accelerated Portfolio, Inc. and ForgiveCo., which, under the Tip of the Spear Poker Run umbrella, will buy and forgive the debt of hundreds of military veterans and their families to the tune of $500,000.
Event founders and longtime powerboaters Mark and Nancy Tuck, along with their daughters Kelsey Kennedy and Kaitlyn Wood, and their admiral sponsor, New York Life, launched the inaugural Tip of the Spear Poker Run in 2024, raising over $70,000 in support of U.S. Special Forces. The Tuck family’s connection to the cause runs deep -through personal relationships with members of SEAL teams and the Coast Guard’s Deployable Specialized Forces, they have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices made by these patriots and their families. With the support of a dedicated team of volunteers, the Tucks have built a strong foundation for what is quickly becoming one of Hampton Roads’ most impactful annual events.
“After years of participating in poker runs nationwide, our family wanted to bring that same energy back to Norfolk - with purpose," says co-founder Mark Tuck. "The Tip of the Spear Poker Run is our way of supporting Special Forces and giving back to the community we love. This event would not be possible without the dedication of our board members and volunteers, whose tireless efforts make it all happen.”
The two-day event kicks off on Friday, June 27 with an optional Fun Run departing Waterside Marina at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at Decoy’s at Bennett’s Creek Marina and a Captain’s Meeting and Dock Party at Blue Moon Taphouse from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, June 28 will feature a full-day Poker Run with six stops along the James River, beginning and ending at Waterside Marina. The event concludes with a Card Draw and Banquet at The Harbor Club - Waterside from 7-11 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to gather at 10 a.m. Saturday at Waterside Marina to cheer on the boats as they launch.
Interested in participating? It is not too late to register! For more information or to register, please visit tipofthespearrun.com.