Poker run to raise funds to by Amtrykes

Texas - Helping children can be a rewarding life experience. For the American Business Club (AMBUCS) they have made it their mission to help children with disabilities.

The local woman’s chapter in Grapevine is having their 7th annual Big Bike Run for Little Tryke Fund. The event is a poker run that raises money for special Amtrykes. The bikes are given to kids with muscular dystrophy, multiple scorosis and Spina Bifida. All of those diseases restrict mobility. The bikes, which can be pedaled by either foot pedals or hand cranks allow children independence and freedom outside of their normal restrictions. The focus of AMBUCS is to create mobility and focus for people with disabilities.

“The bikes come in four different sizes and we give them away through Cooks Children’s Hospital and other therapy groups,” said AMBUCS director of the board Marti Pevehouse.

According to Pevehouse, there were about 150 riders last year and they raised $10,000. The bikes start at $500, depending on the size of the bike and the bikes are given to all the children for free.

“All you have to do is see one of those children’s faces light up when you give them a bike, “ Pevehouse said. “You see what a difference it makes and that’s why we do it.”

Because the bikes can be operated by either the hand cranks or the feet pedals, the bikes are able to help more children and the group will also work with each child’s therapist to make sure that the tryke is something that will benefit the child.

“For a lot of kids this is the only way that they can get out and be with their friends,” Pevehouse said.

The group wants to raise more money this year than last, but that cannot be done without the help of lots of riders. There are sponsors for the event that donate some money and then community businesses that donate things for the raffle each year.

“I hope we can raise $15,000 this year,” Pevehouse said. “We are going to shoot for the sky and are going to raise as much as we can, and what ever we raise will be a blessing.”

At the award ceremony this year the group will also be presenting three local children with Amtrykes. The Smokin’ Hot Fire Fighter will also be onsite selling their new calendar with all the proceeds going to the Parkland Burn Unit.

Registration for this year’s event will begin at 11 a.m. Oct. 5 at Willhoite’s on Main Street in Grapevine. The poker run will commence at noon and go from Willhoite’s to Little Petes, to Up in Smoke, then to Back Porch and finally end at the Glass Cactus at the Gaylord. For information, call Lori Choate 817-975-5611.
Courier Gazette

News Added: 02 October, 2008

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