By Corey Poole

Poole Photography

Supporters of the Rockin’ Regatta packed the parking lot and roadside Saturday, July 9 at the Point Place Marina on Cane River. The fundraiser, which benefited the Hannah Willis Memorial Scholarship Fund, raised $6,800.

Her friends that stood by her side through the death of her daughter were at the event selling raffle tickets and supporting Joan as she was overwhelmed by the support from the community. They are Kym Habig, Sheila Gagnard and Julia Coleman.

Hannah Willis was a Natchitoches local and daughter of Joan Willis, owner-operator of the Pioneer Pub. She was a graduate of Lamar University where she studied mass communications before passing away in May 2015.

The event boasted volleyball tournaments, paddle board rides and a variety of prizes, which included a split-the-pot, yeti coozie coolers and an ice chest, hanging plant baskets, gift certificates and more.

Tony and Rhonda Hernandez won umbrellas and a gift certificate to the Pioneer Pub. Maurice Morelock was ecstatic when he won a propane cooking setup. Cindy Allen won a Dos Lunas Tequila ice chest. Sydney Evans won a piece of artwork from New Mexico and the over $800 split-the-pot prize. However, he only took $200 of his winnings, leaving the rest for the scholarship fund. The Evans were on a roll as his wife Joelle won the 14.3 gallon Yeti cooler.

“What a fun day,” said Joan. “I am so happy with the turn out.”