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LAPLACE — While Krewe Du Monde and its associated activities are not cancelled forever, the cancellation of this year’s Mardi Gras activities meant the LaPlace Lion’s Club needed to get creative in finding ways to fundraise and give back to the community.

The LaPlace Lions Club will hold its first Poker Walk from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 24 at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 346 Fir Street in LaPlace. A $25 Poker Walker ticket will include a card hand to be collected among seven stations in a mile-long walk around Holly Drive, in addition to sponsor games, raffles and a bowl of jambalaya.

A $10 Walker Only ticket will include access to sponsor games and a raffle.

LaPlace  Lions Club member Dr. Nick Laird said participants can look forward to yoga, corn hole, washer board contests, kids’ games and cash prizes. Registration will be available onsite at 8:30 a.m., and poker hands must be turned in by 10:30 a.m.

Proceeds will benefit Lions charities, including the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation and the Louisiana Lions Camp for children with physical and mental disabilities.

The Lions Club has more than 1.3 million international members across 205 countries. Members serve their local communities by conducting vision, hearing and diabetes screenings, awarding scholarships, supporting disaster relief and more.

The LaPlace Lions Club is currently seeking scholarship applications from River Parish high school seniors or graduates who attended their last two years of high school in the River Parishes and are pursuing higher education as an undergraduate student in a four-year university, two-year college or trade and technical school. Applications must by submitted by June 1 and are available at app.box.com/s/uegl6fjpw4jkj9qjma3mj5fbuco2e9cd.

Fundraisers also help the LaPlace Lions Club send local children with disabilities to the Louisiana Lions Camp, making it possible for them to have a traditional summer camp experience that is inclusive to their needs.

Dr. Laird joined the LaPlace Lions Club for a chance to make a difference in St. John the Baptist Parish.

“It’s about giving back to the community and doing something good for people, especially kids and people who are disabled. With everything going on right now with COVID, people are struggling, and it is more important than ever to do stuff that is beneficial to the community,” Dr. Laird said.

For more information about the Poker Walk on April 24, please contact LaPlace Lions Club member Stephen Flynn or text 504-559-5673.