Siever of Huber Heights and William Sumpter of Middletown organized Poker Run Motorcycle Ride to benefit A Special Wish Foundation Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to granting the wishes of children younger than 21 and diagnosed as having a life-threatening disorder.
More than 50 people registered for the event, which started Sunday afternoon, Sept. 19, from a field at 2830 Cincinnati-Dayton Road. Bikers picked up one playing card at the start and end of their ride, plus stops along the way, including Putters Sports Grill in Liberty Twp., Madison Inn in Middletown and Wild Hogs in Miamisburg. The best hand won the grand prize.
Siever’s daughter survived the surgery 21 years ago, the first time he heard of A Special Wish Foundation.
“It’s been dear to my heart ever since,” he said. “I thought it was a really neat idea.”
Sumpter said this is the first poker run he and Siever have organized and they plan to hold more.
“It’s hard times and we need people to stick together and stop worrying about themselves,” Sumpter said.
Besides the registered bikers, more than 70 other attendees enjoyed games, food and music from bands Gone South, Jadis and Bourbon Sky. They also won prizes donated by area motorcycle shops, restaurants, beer companies and the Dayton Motorcycle Club.
Tammy Brewer of Middletown won a Miller Lite lawn chair, which she plans to use at Friday’s Middletown Middies game. Brewer said she turned out to Sunday’s event for a more lofty reason.
“I have kids, and even though my kids have been spoiled and never had anything wrong with them, it just breaks my heart when I see kids who haven’t had the same kind of life that my kids have,” Brewer said. “If I can do anything or give anything that can help them have a special time, even if it’s just one time, I want to be able to provide for that.”
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