When Pattonville Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary President Rosemary Waratuke visited Mechling Shakley Veterans Center in February, she was surprised to hear how the center was funded. "They exist on donations and grants," Waratuke said. So Waratuke and her fellow auxiliary members, members of Pattonville VFW's home association and regular members of the VFW decided to help. The Pattonville VFW is sponsoring a poker run motorcycle ride Oct. 14 with the hopes of raising a few thousand dollars for the center. In a poker run, riders collect cards at various stops, with the hopes of getting the best poker hand and winning a prize. Registration runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., the morning of the ride, with a departure time between 10:30 and 11 a.m., Waratuke said. From Pattonville, the poker run route takes bikers to the Rimersburg VFW, the Clarion VFW and the New Bethlehem VFW before returning to Pattonville. There will be refreshments at each stop. Daryl Ray, president of the Pattonville VFW, said he attended a similar event in a neighboring county where $10,000 was raised for charity. "I was so surprised," he said. "(The bikers) are really behind the veterans."
Waratuke said she's hoping to raise a nice sum of money for the center, which is along Route 268 north of Cowansville.
"If I can raise a couple of thousand (dollars), I'd be happy," she said. "If I can get 50 bikes there, I'd be elated."
The ride costs $20 per rider, plus $10 per passenger, which includes a meal, refreshments, entertainment and a chance to win cash and door prizes.
"When they get back, we've got a nice meal for them," Waratuke said. "We hope they stay and have fun."
There will be a first and second prize for best hand, plus everyone will get a chance to win door prizes donated by local businesses.
Waratuke said people who don't own motorcycles are welcome to buy a poker hand for $20 if they want to participate.
Ray said he's hoping for nice weather and nice experience for those who participate.
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