By Samantha R. Evensen
Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon, dedicated to serving children and developing youth leaders, has partnered with Joshua House in the 1st Annual Charity Motorcycle Poker Run.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. In the past, its members have raised funds for various causes and participated in service projects to benefit its communities.
Their partners at the Joshua House offer a safe haven for abused, abandoned, and neglected children in the Tampa Bay community, providing homelike environments, love and stability for every child in its care.
The proceeds raised during the Poker Run will be divided and donated to these two organizations.
Additional support for the event is provided from Instruments of Change and Drum Circle. They have donated their services and are bringing music to the children of Joshua House.
The event will be held on April 6 at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 9847 E. Adamo Dr. in Tampa.
In order to reach their goals and raise enough money, they are looking for 150 bikers and 30 vendors to come out and participate.
The event starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
Participant registration starts at 10 a.m. at Uncle Mike’s. It is $20 for the first hand and 5 dollars for each additional hand.
Kick stands up at 11a.m. and the last bike in is at 4p.m.
Vendor set-up will occur during 11:30a.m. and 3p.m. Vendors looking to participate will have to pay a fee of 20 dollars for a 10’ by 10’ booth space and a donation of a product or gift card for the raffle is required.
The run begins at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill and includes three additional stops, including Zephyrhills Eagle, Brandon Eagle and Beer shed. The race concludes where it started at Uncle Mike’s.
Following the Poker Run, riders, passengers and the rest of the general public are welcomed to participate in the after party with food, music and vendors. There will be a 50/50 raffle drawing and prizes will be awarded to participants with the top three best hands, as well as the worst hand.
First place gets $150, second place receives $100, third receives $50 and the worst hand gets $20.
“We’re very excited to be hosting the first Inaugural Poker Run sponsored by Born to Ride magazine. I’m looking forward to seeing all those who come out and participate in the event,” says Dustie Amatangelo, board member at Kiwanis.
For more information about the Poker Run or donations and participation, please contact Dustie at 813-294-0645 or email her at adustie@yahoo.com.
