CIS of Randolph County hosts annual poker run

High Point Enterprise
By Darrick Ignasiak
dignasiak@hpe.com
May 26,2009

RANDOLPH COUNTY – Dozens of bikers are planning on joining together Saturday for the fourth annual “Readin’, Writin’, and Ridin’?” poker run to benefit Communities In Schools of Randolph County.

“It’s a popular event to draw in a group of good people,” said Frank Crotts, Guil-Rand Fire Department assistant fire chief and a founder of the event. “We have seen a steady increase of motorcycles each year.”

Registration for the ride, which will leave from Archdale-Trinity Middle School, will start at 9 a.m. and bikers will depart at 10 a.m. Organizers say they have planned a different route for this year that has more beautiful local scenery to enjoy.

A lunch break is planned for Ramseur Park, and the ride will end at the Guil-Rand Fire Station on S. Main Street in Archdale, where prizes will be awarded around 3 p.m. The Randolph County Sheriff’s motorcycle unit will accompany the riders this year.

In a traditional poker run, participants will ride their motorcycle along a route and receive cards at stops along the way. The best poker hand at the end of the route is the winner.

The event is slightly different because even those without a motorcycle can participate because they can follow the group in their cars.

All proceeds from the ride and a raffle will go to Communities In Schools of Randolph County to help local students. Organizers say a 52-inch flat-screen television and an iPod Touch will be raffled.

Gwen Taylor, of Communities In Schools of Randolph County, said the event raised about $5,000 for the organization last year.

Communities In Schools’ mission is to help young people stay in school, successfully learn and prepare for life by connecting needed community resources with schools.

For more information on the event, contact Communities In Schools of Randolph County at 434-0008