Motorcycle poker run raises $50,000

A record 460 motorcycle riders registered to participate in the eighth annual “Unions For Kids Poker Run and Chili Cook-off June 12.

All proceeds from the ride and raffle — a total of $50,000 — went to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $221,000.

“It was a record turnout, and a great day for everyone,” said Lee Duncan, a member of Portland-based Electrical Workers Local 48, who helped found the event.

A poker run consists of riders going to check points, where they draw a playing card for a poker hand. At the end of the ride — in this event, a 100-mile course that took riders past Crown Point on the Old Columbia River Highway (top photo right) — the highest and lowest hands win a cash prize. The high hand of five deuces was held by Chris Gaberry. The low hand of 1-2-3-4-5 was won by Rudy Martinez, a member of Exterior and Interior Specialists Local 2154.

A large chunk of the “Unions for Kids” proceeds comes from a drawing for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Money also is raised through ride registration fees of $10 each, sponsor donations, a silent auction, and a chili cook-off.

This year’s motorcycle winner was Jim Tosh, a member of IBEW Local 46 in Auburn, Washington. Terry Riegle, an organizer for IBEW Local 48, was voted making the best chili.

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