CULLMAN, Ala. – The third annual Boatin’ and Boilin’ fundraiser was held at The Grille at Trident Marina on Saturday, May 3, hosted by Alabama Lakewide Charities to kick off the lake season and raise money for an important cause.
Saturday’s boil partnered with Skier’s Marine and featured unlimited crawfish, shrimp, sausage and more. All proceeds went toward equipment and training for emergency response. Alabama Lakewide Charities, founded by Brian Czup and David Dempsey, is a Smith Lake area-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting search and recovery efforts and local nonprofits.
“Nobody wants to talk about recovery until it’s needed,” said Czup. “We just want to be ready.”
In the past, the group has purchased a $100,000 underwater rover and a 40-foot support boat to assist first responders.
“We’re not first responders, but we want to be there for the ones who are,” Dempsey said.
In addition to preparing for the warmer seasons, the event was also hosted to gain momentum for other upcoming events on the lake, like the Poor Man Poker Run and Spook the Lake.
“It’s just a good time and gets people geared up for the Poker Run,” said Czup.
Participants of the Poker Run will travel by boat to various docks around the lake to collect playing cards and compete for prizes while raising money for life-saving lake equipment and training. During Spook the Lake, over 100 candy-giving docks are brought out each fall, and the event supports Wake the World, a charity that gives children from Big Oak Ranch a day on the water.
The Poor Man Poker Run will be held on Aug. 2, and registration will soon open. For more information, visit www.lakewide.org.
Copyright 2025 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
