Project Save Our Children Against Drunk Driving Inc.

Annual Poker Run.

To raise awareness of our Educational program that addresses the Issues of Drunk Driving and Drinking and Driving and driving under the influence of drugs. And to further our efforts towards Expanding into other counties, states and schools, our foundation hosts an annual
Poker Run in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Being a 501-C- 3 charitable organization,
Allows for any donations to be tax deductible.

Next Poker Run, is scheduled for September 20, 2008.

We at Project Save Our Children Against Drunk Driving, want to thank every one for their participation in this year’s poker run.  The winner of the 2007 Hardknock motor bike was:
 

Milo Beaver
Broken Arrow OK

Milo Beaver got his chance at this year’s Special Prize during the 9th Annual Pow-wow at

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

Please know that the money raised will go to help Project Save Our Children Against Drunk Driving and the continual efforts of keeping our program running in our county.  It will also help us spread our mission to other county’s, giving them the tools to teach their children the "experience" of drinking and driving without the fatal consequences of a Drunk Driving accident.

Be watching for next years special prize to be given away at our next Annual Poker Run coming in September of 2008!

INSIDE A POKER RUN

If you’ve ever wondered exactly what the big deal is about a poker run, you’re not alone.
So on a Saturday afternoon recently, Patriot’s herald went inside the poker run to document exactly what goes on and what all the fuss is about. It was an extremely hot day, but despite the intense temperatures, Project Save Our Children Against Drunk Driving held its 2nd Annual Poker Run in Carroll County.

Co-sponsored by the Chapter C of Vietnam Vets Legacy-mc. Arkansas.  The ride began at Ironhorse Stables where bikers filed in, clad in the usual leather and bandana head gear, over the course of an hour – the time constraints where obviously very loose for the event, more than likely just the way these riders prefer. As they signed up and donated their money for the cause, each received their playing cards and then motored out in small groups. It apparently didn’t matter whether you knew the people in your group or not there appeared to be an instant sense of comradery, regardless of acquaintance.

We merged into a group of strangers and set out on the open road. With the distractions of wind, scenery, and a realization of speeding pavement mere inches from your body, the heat was quickly forgotten.  As the ride continued, the fellowship grew. At each stop the bikers would dismount, get their card stamped, and stand in the shade chatting about where they were from, the things just seen along the road, other experiences on rides, and so on. At each stop the unacquainted seemed to know each other a little better, and the acquainted caught up with old friends, likely who met because of their shared hobby.  

On the road, that fellowship appeared just as evident.  Riders would signal to those in back about upcoming gravel or interesting sites. They would keep an eye on the slower or new riders. They maintained a standard distance from one another and kept an eye on traffic for the whole group. And then there was the trademark biker downward wave given rider-to-rider to those met on the road.

Upon reaching the final destination, during this ride, the Eureka Music Park, the bikers ‘let loose’ – eating together, playing ‘biker games’ like (tug-of-war) (slow ride) etc. together, talking motorcycles, handing out door prizes from local businesses, taking in the live music, and congratulating those with the best (and worst) poker hands. This year Project Save Our Children gave away a 250 Arctic 4 wheeler, and the door prize was a mini fat boy motorcycle. After the poker run this year was a concert.

The poker run is definitely a beloved event for many motorcycle riders, and ‘a-day-in-the-life’ revealed much of what makes the ride so popular. While the entertainment, free meal, and numerous door prizes are a draw, the likely attraction of bike rides, we concluded, was the three “F’s” – fun, fellowship and fresh air. I can’t wait to see what Project Save Our Children will do in the 3rd annual poker run next year.

Patriots’ Herald thanks Harley Fox Founder of Project Save Our Children and the Vietnam Veterans for allowing us to tag along on the ride. To make a contribution to help “Project Save Our Children” , contact Harley Fox at 870-654-2352 or projectsaveourchildren@yahoo.com.