Bikers line up for poker run to help troops

About 50 motorcyclists revved their bikes and rolled off the Appleton Harley-Davidson parking lot Saturday morning — with their poker faces on.

They were participating in Operation Homefront's first annual Ride for the Troops poker run. Each participant rode to five stations, picking up a card at each station, and those with the best hand received a trophy, as did those with the worst Operation Homefront worker and poker run organizer Vicki Saracinno said it only made sense to hold a poker run to support the troops.

"A lot of the soldiers ride, it's something they enjoy," Saracinno said. "And it's always a good fundraiser."

Saracinno said that the turnout for the event was strong considering it was in its first year, but they are already planning to organize it even better next year.

She said they could have had a better showing if they had gotten the word out earlier, as one person told her he will fill the parking lot with bikers next year.

"We're going to start planning next week," she said. "Next year it's going to be big."

Steve and Bobbie Caudill caught word of the event and were excited to contribute.

"It's definitely a good cause," Mrs. Caudill said. Her niece and nephew are both in Iraq right now, and Mr. Caudill's friend, who is about to deploy, was the one who told them about the run.

Mr. Caudill was excited to participate in his first poker run. He has only been riding since March.

In addition to the trophies, participants also had opportunities to win prizes in a raffle, such as an American flag that was flown in Iraq, a stay at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, valued at $250, and several other prizes.

Event organizers also cooked out for participants.

It cost registrants $20 per bike and $10 per rider, and proceeds went to help military troops and their families.

Operation Homeland specializes in providing assistance to soldiers and their families. They held a Freedom Walk on Sept. 11 and a backpack giveaway for soldiers' children, and will be holding a number of events during the holiday season.

The Leaf Chronicle

News Added: 23 September, 2007

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