9/11 Hope Ride Poker Run raises money for wounded vets

  • Published
  • By Hope For The Warriors
JACKSONVILLE/FAYETTEVILLE/GOLDSBORO, N.C. --  Registration is open for the 5th Annual Hope For The Warriors Poker Run, the 9/11 Hope Ride. The Run will help raise funds to enhance the quality of life for service members and their families who have been affected by injuries or death in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001. This is the first time the Run has coincided with 9/11, making the event more poignant and memorable for all involved.

This year, the Run will offer three start venues, each situated near a large military installation -- Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, Fort Bragg Army Base in Fayetteville and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville. All riders will draw cards at four stops before receiving the fifth card; which will lead them to a group finish at Mad Boar Restaurant and Bar in Wallace. All funds raised benefit Hope For The Warriors, a nonprofit organization that supports wounded U.S. service members, their families and families of the fallen.

Registration is available online at www.hopeforthewarriors.org/2ndpokerrun.html. The fee includes the Poker Run, dinner and 9/11 ceremony. Event registration is $20 for single riders or $30 for couples. Same day registration is available at all three starts from 9 - 11 a.m. at Shelton's Harley-Davidson in Goldsboro, the Cape Fear Harley-Davidson in Fayetteville and the New River Harley-Davidson in Jacksonville.

Kickstands will go up promptly at noon. The Mad Boar after-ride party will feature the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, food, entertainment, a bike show, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and several great raffle items. A 9/11 memorial ceremony will be held at 6 p.m.

The Greensboro Chapter of the Guardian Brotherhood Riding Club has incorporated their 4th annual ride into the 9/11 Hope Ride. As an organization that works closely with the Airmen at Seymour Johnson AFB to take care of deployment issues, address family needs and mentor young riders, the merger was a good fit.

"We are looking forward to being able to include our 4th annual run with the efforts of the Hope For The Warriors team," said Brian Volk, Sergeant At Arms, Guardian Brotherhood Riding Club.