By DAVID A. MANN
For Chris Crews, Saturday morning’s Red Cross poker ride was both for fun and a good cause.
“It’s a good way to support the community, be involved and have a good time,” Crews said as he waited for the ride to start.
He was among dozens getting set for an approximately 90-mile ride across Southern Indiana. Weather permitting, the ride would take them through Salem, Scottsburg, Charlestown and Utica before the day was over.
It was all in an effort to raise money for the Clark County chapter of the American Red Cross, which has had its disaster-relief funds decimated during an onslaught of severe-weather events during the last year.
Riders anted up $20 per bike and $10 to bring along a passenger, according to Marilyn Greenwell, a Red Cross volunteer in charge of organizing the event.
She and her husband Michael Greenwell — both bikers and volunteers — had seen poker rides work for other Red Cross chapters and decided to give it a try in Clark County.
The inaugural event was dubbed Ride for the Red. It’s one of three major fundraisers for the Clark County chapter this year. A golf scramble and gala also are planned.
In a poker ride, bikers receive a playing card at each of five locations on the ride route. At the end of the ride, the best hand receives a prize — a helmet camera. Second-best and worst hands also would win rewards.
The total amount raised was not available at press time Saturday; however, Greenwell said the goal was to raise $15,000 — both with ride entry fees and by raffling off a Honda Rebel 250. Those interested in the Honda can continue to buy raffle tickets until Thunder over Louisville on April 18, when the drawing will be held.
Husband and wife combo David and Teresa Langdon were suited up for what would be their first poker ride.
“We’re going for a nice ride, and it’s for a good cause,” David said.
Charity rides were nothing new for Gary Dodt, who was riding with the Christian Motorcyclist Association.
He does such rides “for the camaraderie and the friends you make,” and said a lot more riders would have probably shown up for the event if the weather was a little warmer.
The last year has been a rough one for the Red Cross, said Phyllis Wilkins, executive director of the chapter. Hurricane Ike last September, followed by the ice storm in January, used a lot of the chapter’s disaster relief fund.
When there are local disasters, many in the community step up and donate. However, she noted, the Red Cross also helps with small disasters such as those affected by house fires or tornados.
In terms of the disaster relief fund, “we’re really struggling,” she said.
MORE RED CROSS EVENTS
The Clark County chapter of the American Red Cross plans two more fundraisers this year.
For more information on either event, call 812-283-8416 or go to clarkredcross.org.
• May 18: Golf Scramble at the Jeffersonville Elks Country Club
• Aug. 18: Annual Gala at Kye’s in Jeffersonville.
