THUNDER BAY - A new poker run will be breaking trail in Thunder Bay next month and will have riders getting muddy in support of a local community group.
The 5 Aces ATV Fall Classic Poker Run hosted by Half-Way Motors Power Sports will be held on Sept. 9 and will take recreational riders from Mount Baldy Ski Resort to West Loon Lake and back again.
“It’s the first time that an event like this has been run for a charity in Thunder Bay,” organizer John Trevisanutto said on Monday. “We like the idea of Mount Baldy coming on board to support us by offering their operation.”
Riders will stop at five stations along the trail to pick cards out of a bucket. Prize money up for grabs includes $1,000 for first place, with a $500 bonus for the lucky rider who actually gets five aces. Prizes will also be awarded for bringing in the most pledges.
All money raised will go towards Our Kids Count, which Trevisanutto said has always been Half-Way Motors charity of choice.
“It’s because of the fact that a lot of the funding from the government hasn’t changed in 20 years, all of these smaller organizations in Thunder Bay really struggle to get the funds to support their program,” he said.
And even though this is the first year of the event, Trevisanutto is still hoping for a strong showing from the community.
“Our goal this year is a modest $20,000,” he said. “Anything over that would be awesome. But it’s a first year event and I think people will be wanting to see what it’s all about and I hope they come out and have a lot of fun.”
Gladys Berringer, executive director of Our Kids Count, said the community organization is continuing to see increases in the need for services.
“We are seeing increases of 50 per cent in most of our programs,” she said. “Our core funding and funding sources are certainly not increasing 50 per cent a year. We really do rely heavily on our fundraising activities in the community.”
Berringer said the money will primarily be used to support community kitchen programs, including Take Back the Kitchen, which works with local schools to teach students about cooking and food budgeting.
And while Trevisanutto said $20,000 is a modest goal, Berringer said it’s huge and would go a long way toward helping Our Kids Count expand its programming.
“That would allow us to probably reach out to another eight schools and offer our program after a full year,” she said.
The 5 Aces ATV Fall Classic Poker Run is open to riders of all skill levels, Trevisanutto said, adding the trail is only as challenging as you make it.
“It can be as easy or as difficult as you want,” he said. “There are some mud holes. I understand some people love to do the mud holes, but we will also have alternative routing. It’s open to anyone who has an ATV or side-by-side.”
Registration is $50 and forms are available at Half-Way Motors Power Sports and Our Kids Count.
