The itinerary for the Ride for Independence Poker Run, which is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 25, has been mapped out and includes a Wild Card stop.
Sunflower Diversified Services is sponsoring this second annual event to raise money for a new art studio that will showcase the talents of Sunflower clients with a creative flair.
Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults with developmental disabilities and delays in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.
Connie Oetken, Sunflower director of development, said the turnout for last year’s poker run was good and she is hoping it is even better this year.
“We hope to see the familiar faces from last year and meet many newcomers this time around,” Oetken said. “It is a great way to raise funds for our clients while having a good time touring around our service area.
“The Beautiful Minds Art Studio is in the planning stages,” Oetken added. “The poker run will help us continue with our plans.”
Motorcycles and other types of vehicles are welcome at the poker run. The fee for drivers is $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. The passenger fee is $20 and $10 is charged for an extra poker hand.
Those who register by Aug. 10 will receive a free T-shirt.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 25 at the Sunshine Garage in Larned, with kickstands up at 10:30 a.m.
The first stop along the route will be Squeak’s Club in St. John. Then it’s off to Oasis Convenience Store, near Sylvia on U.S. Highway 50; Brew 56 Coffee & Tap in Lyons; and the final stop is the HandleBar & Grill in Great Bend.
During their journey, participants should look for the sign that will direct them to the Wild Card stop.
This mystery stop will provide the opportunity to toss out a poker-hand card and win the chance for a better one. Prizes will be awarded for the best and worst hands.
The day’s agenda also include $3 biscuits and gravy; raffles; and cinnamon rolls.
Tammie Caley, Sunflower’s chief financial officer, has been instrumental in organizing the poker-run fundraisers and encouraged participants to register for the event.
“We are trying to have a little something for everyone,” Caley said. “This really is a fun event and we hope the community comes out to support our neighbors with disabilities.”
For more information or to register, call 620-792-1325.
Sunflower is in its 52nd year.