San Pedro’s Rickilee Response and Rescue (RRR/Triple R) hosted its seventh annual Poker Run fundraiser on February 28, 2026, attracting more than 300 participants who visited six Boca del Rio establishments: Xoti’s, Hurricanes, Wayo’s, Sandy Toes, Vibez, and Nauti Crab. The event generated 388 poker hands, 35 raffle prizes, a 50/50 draw that netted over $3,750, and a silent auction featuring high-value packages, including stays at Mystic River and Victoria House. The poker prize pool exceeded $4,750, and both winners, Denise and Kenton, donated their winnings back to RRR.
Participants collected playing cards at each venue to form the best poker hand, with the final card distributed at Nauti Crab, where winners were determined. However, the primary fundraising revenue came from raffles, the 50/50 draw, and the silent auction rather than from poker hands, since prize payouts were split among winners.
Raffle prizes included a three-night stay at Caribbean Villas with a $75 bar tab, sunset sails, staycations, massages, and gift certificates from Island Art Belize, Belize Chocolate Co., and other businesses, valued up to $325. Silent auction highlights featured a two-night stay at Mystic River Resort bundled with Tropic Air round-trip tickets, dive packages, and multi-day stays at Alaia, Mahogany Bay, and Caye Casa, along with cruises, dining experiences, and adventure tours.
RRR was formed in 2017, nine years ago, following the tragic accident of Texas tourist Rickilee Mercer at Secret Beach on February 28. According to organizers, no organized local search was immediately launched, and U.S. helicopters recovered her body the following day. Founder Traci Curtin, a family friend who informed Mercer’s mother of the tragedy, established the volunteer group “Rickilee Response and Rescues” to prevent similar incidents.
Under the leadership of Billy Leslie, the organization initially focused on water rescues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, its scope expanded to include broader island emergencies, including a free ambulance service. Since its inception, RRR has responded to more than 5,000 emergencies, with over 600 in 2025 alone.
Curtin addressed participants at the event. “Triple R is the only volunteer-based free emergency response on the island,” she said. “This is our only fundraiser. We started it because we thought a poker run would be fun, and as you can see, we had over 300 people sign up this year.” She added, “Never again are we going to have to tell another mom… their loved one died with no one looking for them.”
Organizers anticipated raising approximately $15,000 USD this year, up from $11,000 USD in 2025, to help sustain 24/7 operations amid rising operational costs. With the added generosity of the poker winners and continued community support, RRR plans to expand training and upgrade equipment to ensure faster and more effective responses to land, sea, and medical emergencies across San Pedro.
Dozens of businesses supported the fundraiser through sponsorships and prize donations, reflecting the strong community backing behind the organization’s mission.
 hosted its seventh annual Poker Run fundraiser on February 28, 2026.){kind=link}