Poker run has record breaking head shave

Times Reporter

 

The 12th annual Strathmore Poker Run was once again a success. It began on June 24 at Cooters with a head shave, and some fun. 

“It went really well. Kristopher (Owen), I think he raised $4,300, he broke our record for head shaving,” said Whitey, who has been involved with the Poker Run since it’s inception.

The run initially began in 2000 and was organized by Matt Janzen to help benefit the Child Find Alberta Society. 

“Matt Janzen…he passed away from cancer and he was the one that started the run. We decided well we’ll help kids cancer as our main receiever and it’s been that way ever since,” said Whitey. 

It was in 2003 when the Poker run began donating the money to the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta. It’s three days of fun, motorcycle riding, and games. 

Since the Strathmore Poker Run began working with the Kids Cancer Foundation they have raised approximately $96,000 and the goal this year was to break $100,000. Though the final numbers weren’t in at press time Whitey said they were looking at approximately $22,000 brought in this year, bringing the group well above their goal. 

On June 25 participants in the Poker Run took a ride throughout the surrounding communities, gathering cards for their poker hand before coming home to see who had the best hand, and heading to the final party and dinner spot just east of Strathmore. 

“We had live auctions and silent auctions, and we raised a pile of money on that. Then Sunday we had game day, which kids were welcome,” said Whitey. 

There was a keg toss, where people would see how far they can throw the keg, barrel races, similar to the ones at a rodeo with horses, just with motorbikes instead. 

Though the Poker Run is done for another year, the money raised will go along way to helping children and their families cope once a diagnosis has been made. The poker run will be donating its proceeds to kids cancer “until kids don’t have cancer no more,” said Whitey