The Caretakers ME (Motorcycle Enthusiasts) Club hosts their 6th annual Poker Run on Saturday in Fern Park, FL. Proceeds benefit local charity organizations targeting children and veterans.
Caretakers ME consists of veterans and those eligible to join a veteran organization (e.g. family members of veterans or current personnel) who love to ride motorcycles and desire to help the community. Caretakers took on a 501(c)(3) status in 2008. Rides typically get between 75 and 125 bikers, and even some cars and trucks. Caretakers' best year raised more than $13,000.
"Our first two runs were for Kids House of Seminole and in those two years we raised over $20,000," said Magi Hosford, club secretary. "After that we branched out to help more veterans and have raised money for KISS (Kids In Support of Soldiers), Sentinels of Freedom, Boys Town of Seminole County and others."
This year's beneficiaries are JOSH (Just Our Soldiers Helpers) and Honor Flight. JOSH sends care packages to deployed troops who are in harm's way and Honor Flight pays to transport veterans to visit their respective memorials in Washington, D.C. - current priority goes to World War II veterans and those who are terminally ill.
Registration for the Caretakers ME 6th annual Poker Run begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the American Legion Post 183, 2706 Wells Ave. in Fern Park, FL. First bike out is at 9:45 a.m. There are four stops and the run ends back at the start. All vehicles are welcome so even if you don't ride try your hand at a little poker and help raise money for two great causes.
Other Rides Scheduled this Weekend:
Motorcyclists Appreciation Day June 15: The 3rd annual appreciation day hosted by Bikers for Soldiers benefits Lance Corporal Mark Fidler, a veteran putting his life back together after getting hit by an IED in Afghanistan. Event includes a motorcycle show and is from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Zern's Farmers Market, 1100 E. Philadelphia Ave. in Gilbertsville, PA.
Ride for Jill's House June 15: This 5th annual 100-mile ride benefits Jill's House, a 45-bed facility that houses children ages 6 to 17 who live with intellectual disabilities like autism, brain injury and Down syndrome. Kickstands are up at 10 a.m. at McLean Bible Church Prince William Campus, 10002 Battleview Parkway, Manassas, VA.
Tri Rescue Ride June 15: The inaugural Tri Rescue Ride raises funding for The Rescue Inn, a non-profit, foster-based dog rescue organization. The 100-mile poker run starts at 10 a.m. at Two Bucks North Olmsted, 24108 Lorain Rd. in North Olmstead, OH.
Tornado Alley Poker Run June 15: The inaugural Tornado Alley Run hosted by The Lounge at Strike-A-Lot Lanes benefits LeFlore County Youth Services in Oklahoma. Kickstands are up at 11 a.m. at Strike-A-Lot, 1912 N. Broadway in Poteau, OK.
Whitetails Poker Run June 15: This 5th annual run benefits the proprietary Motorcyclists In Need Everyday charity and nationally, The Arc. Ride starts at 10 a.m. at Whitetails Bar and Grill, 101 N. Main in Marble Rock, IA.
Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run June 15: The 10th anniversary run starts at 10:30 a.m. at Grundy County Fairgrounds, 8890 N. R 47 in Morris, IL. Proceeds benefit veterans and help with the cost of adding names to the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial.
Patriot Ride June 15: A 75-mile ride benefiting two Minnesota military charities begins at 12 p.m. at Lions Park, 1220 157th Ave. NE in Ham Lake, MN.
Gamblers Fun Run Jun 15: The Lake Fork Mavericks Motorcycle Club host the 4th annual Gamblers Fun Run that starts at 10:30 a.m. at their clubhouse, 4119 W. Hwy 154 in Yantis, TX. Proceeds benefit local charities.
Kelsey Charity Run June 16: This annual run started in 1985 to help a 2-year old Kelsey Kirchner suffering from a rare form of central nervous system cancer called neuroblastoma. Today, both the ride and Kelsey are healthy and going strong. Registration is from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Manville/Hillsboro Elks, 1500 Brookes Blvd. in Hillsborough, NJ.
Ride to Work Day June 17: Annual ride to work day to demonstrate the effectiveness of and support the use of motorcycles and scooters for transportation.