Email
Print
Inspired motorcyclists benefit Children's Miracle Network with poker run
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: August 30, 2009
Riders strapped on their helmets and revved their engines Saturday for the First Children's Miracle Network Poker Run, which began at Tilley's Harley Davidson in Statesville.
Kicking off at 11 a.m., the route stopped at Food Lion in Troutman, Horse Feathers in Mooresville, JB Frogs in Catawba and ended at Knuckle Heads in Statesville at 5:30 p.m. Bikers picked up a card at each stop, and the person with the best and worst hands received a prize at Knuckle Heads after the ride was over.
"I've done several fundraisers for Children's Miracle Network, but they've all been golf tournaments," said organizer Kathy Lines. "Since I ride, I wanted to put together a poker run because I knew it would be a fun way to get together and spend time with friends, while working with a charity."
Lines said she chose Children's Miracle Network because she knows families who have had children diagnosed with leukemia. The recent tragedy with Preston Loyd, the local 4-year-old who was accidentally run over by a lawnmower and survived, furthered her resolve.
"I know Preston spent time at Levine Children's Hospital, and that's where the money will be donated to," she said. "All the proceeds will go to the hospital, so the money will stay in the area."
She anticipated somewhere between 100 and 200 bikes and hoped to raise about $5,000. Food Lion, where Lines works, sponsored the ride, donated food and paid for gift cards and door prizes for riders.
"Local bikers are such good-hearted people to support this cause," she said. "They seem to love to help out and I know a lot of the riders we will have today do many charity rides. They donate a lot of money to a lot of good causes."
After the ride, the participants were served dinner at Knuckle Heads and a 50/50 raffle was be held.
Faye Shelton mapped out the route for the ride.
"It's for a good cause," she said. "The kids are our future and when they're sick, they need all the assistance they can get."
Her friend, Mike Hendges, said he was particular when deciding which charity rides were worth his time and money.
"I've done a few rides in the past, but this is a great cause," he said. "This is definitely a place I'm willing to donate to."
Joe Taylor, Doc Lee and James Lee often ride together and the Children's Miracle Network Poker Run was no exception.
"We're just your average riders, but this is for a good cause, so we thought why not?" Taylor said.
For more information on how you can donate to the charity, e-mail Lines at InformationLn7Kat@aol.com.
Email
Print
