Kids benefit from poker run
Posted on Sunday, April 20, 2008
BENTONVILLE — Bikers enjoy the freedom of the road, but Saturday’s ride was about helping children.
“ I enjoy having the wind in my face and the joy of the ride, ” Rogers resident Howard Tiner said. “ We can help children and charities while enjoying the ride. ”
Tiner was one of the bikers that participated in the Bentonville Kiwanis Club’s poker run — Riding for the Kids.
Tiner, who has been riding motorcycles since 1975, said he participates in several other poker runs each year.
“ You can’t beat the scenery in Arkansas and you can really enjoy it on a motorcycle rather than in a car, ” Don Stafford said.
Stafford said he enjoys the ride, but participating in poker runs is his way of helping out.
Stafford said he believes the poker runs involving aid children and the Cancer Challenge are especially important.
“ This one is for the kids and that’s cool, ” Stafford said.
Kiwanis Club member Jim Allen, who served as the chairman for the event, said the poker run is the club’s biggest fundraiser. Allen said it is the second year for the event and it will be an annual event.
“ It’s something fun to do while helping children, ” Allen said. “ Bikers are some of the most generous people in the world. ”
The Kiwanis motto is “ Serving the Children of the World. ”
Allen said the money raised from the poker run will be used to provide scholarships for underprivileged children and the club also assists the Benton County Sunshine School.
Last year, 125 bikers participated in the event and the club hoped for at least 200 bikers. The club raised $ 3, 500 last year and Allen hoped that they could raise $ 7, 000 this year.
Allen said local businesses donated money and prizes for the poker run.
“ It may be far reaching, but you have to have goals, ” Allen said.
Hindsville residents Dayton Clark and Holly Hungate also participated in the poker run.
“ It’s the freedom of the road and the scenery, but it’s a way to help charities, ” Clark said.
Clark and Hungate plan to marry in the fall in Florida.
They both love to ride motorcycles.
Clark said they want to take the motorcycle to Florida with them but, have other items to take for the wedding.
“ We may have to get married and come back for the ride, ” Clark said.
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