Leon’s Legacy Home

5th Annual Poker Run · By Land or By Lake · Lake Sara, Effingham, IL

A Day on the Lake to Honor the Legacy.

six docks · best hand wins · themed stops, drinks & snacks, raffles

100%

Goes to Families in Effingham County & Beyond

ALS

Awareness & Caregiving Costs

By Land or By Lake — Your Choice

All six dock stops are accessible two ways. Bring your boat and cruise Lake Sara between stops, or drive the shoreline and join in from land. Either way, you draw a card at every stop.

By Lake

Cruise Lake Sara by boat, pontoon, or kayak. Pull up to each dock, draw your card, grab a drink, and move on to the next stop.

By Land

No boat? No problem. Every stop is reachable by car. Drive between docks, enjoy the food and fun, and play your hand just the same.

Our Mission

“Fighting ALS one wave at a time — in honor of a man who faced it with grace.”

Leon’s Legacy was founded in memory of Leon Holschbach, a beloved member of the Effingham community who passed away from ALS in 2021. Leon faced his battle with quiet courage, surrounded by the family and neighbors who loved him — and in that spirit, this event was born.

Every dollar raised through our annual poker run on Lake Sara goes directly toward ALS awareness and providing financial relief to families in Effingham and surrounding areas who are navigating the overwhelming costs of caregiving. Because no family should have to fight alone.

Come out on the water. Play a hand. Raise a glass. Make a difference.

5 Years on the Lake

From the Run

A look back at the community, the boats, and the memories made

The Route 2026

Six Docks, One Hand

Draw a card at each stop — best poker hand at the end wins

Stops can be visited in any order

Dock 1 · Start

Holschbach's Dock

Wisconsin Themed

The run kicks off at the dock that started it all. Draw your first card and raise a Spotted Cow in Leon's honor.

Spotted CowCheese CurdsRaffle Items50/50 Golf PuttCard Draw

Dock 2

Freidrich Dock

Fishing Themed

Cast a line on the fun — fishy appetizers, Leon's favorite pineapple upside down shots, and chances to win big.

Pineapple Upside Down ShotsFishy Appetizers50/50RafflesCard Draw

Dock 3

Midwest Marina

Lake Sara & Boating Themed

Pull up to Midwest Marina right on the water. It's a fitting stop — surrounded by the lake that brings us all together every year.

Hilltop Food TruckRaffles50/50Card Draw

Dock 4

McDaniel Dock

Rusty Nails & Good Times

Halfway there — belly up for a rusty nail, browse the auction items, and keep building that hand.

Rusty NailsSnacksRafflesAuction ItemsCard Draw

Dock 5

Lake Sara Campground

Trees & Nature Themed

A stop in honor of the old oaks. Leon loved the trees at Lake Sara and was fascinated by how they communicate — stop, look up, and draw your card.

BagsSnacksDrinksRafflesAuction ItemsCard Draw

Dock 6

Hecht Dock

Tropical Beachy Theme

The last stop on the water goes full tropical. Sip a tropical drink, soak up the vibes, draw your final card, and head to Pinky's.

Tropical DrinksSnacksRafflesAuctionFinal Card Draw

Final Stop

Pinky's

Celebration & Awards

Come ashore for bingo, poker hand reveal, 50/50 drawing, auction close-out, and a full celebration in Leon's honor. Good times guaranteed.

Poker RevealBingoAuction50/50Good Times

Join the Run

Be Part of the Legacy

Register your boat, sponsor a dock, or donate directly. Every bit of support changes a family's story. Registration opens August 1, 2026.

For Families

Need Support?

Leon's Legacy exists for families facing the financial and emotional weight of an ALS diagnosis. If you or someone you love in the Effingham area is navigating caregiving costs, we want to help. Applications are reviewed with care and confidentiality.

Apply for Assistance