ATV Poker Run raises $5,747 for Amherstburg Food Bank
Raffle prizes credited for helping to drive up overall total
By Ron Giofu/The Amherstburg Echo
Posted 3 years ago
AMHERSTBURG — The Essex County ATV Club's annual Poker Run had fewer registered riders this year as compared to last, but you wouldn't know that based on the fundraising total.
There were 62 pledged riders in the October 25 ride, down from 78 last year, but club president Jim O'Neill pointed out this year's event raised about $1,000 more than the 2007 Poker Run. Proceeds annually benefit the Amherstburg Food Bank.
"We had a very successful event this year. We raised 5,747 for the Food Bank," said O'Neill. That brings their three year total to approximately $12,000.
"The club and Food Bank owe a special thank you to Legends Honda in Windsor," O'Neill added.
Legends Honda donated a generator as a prize and riders got a ticket for $100 in pledges raised and another for every $20 raised above that. That helped drive up the fundraising total.
"The guys really went after it," said O'Neill.
O'Neill said many local dealers also helped out and said STS Powersport Outfitters, located in Amherstburg, also stepped up big time. Owner Mark Muscat has "always been very supportive," said O'Neill.
Paul Renaud, who along with wife Eleanor were riders in the event, re-iterated the club's position that they offer legal riding and that they have been incident free.
"We've never had an incident with anything being damaged by anyone with our club," said Renaud.
The popularity of the Essex County ATV Club has exploded with them now having 131 members, up from eight just over two years ago. O'Neill said the mayor and council have been "incredible" when working with the club on such things as the Poker Run and other initiatives.
Food Bank representative Lucille Thrasher said they are extremely pleased with the support. She said more and more people are now using the food bank given the downturn in the economy.
"We really appreciate it," she said of the donation.