Over 25 motorcycles carrying 37 riders departed downtown Dawsonville last Saturday morning and faced the elements to ride in the KARE for Kids 4th Annual Motorcycle Poker Run.

It started out soupy for sure but we all took our time, said Dave Kahn of Dahlonega and ride participant.

The line on the radar showed a nice, clean break and as soon as we saw that we decided to push right through it and it turned out to be a beautiful day.

This years event started at the Dawsonville Pool Room and included a two-hour scenic ride through the North Georgia Mountains until the riders arrived at their final destination, Lorenas Food & Spirits.

The ride was awesome because it was a good distance, not too many stops and the weather was perfect, Glen Gumby Bishop, ride participant stated. Well maybe except for the morning, he added with a smile.

Lorena Adkins, owner of Lorenas Food and Spirits said she didnt expect any less of a turnout. These people are the most giving people that I know, said Adkins, and theyll ride through the rain to help out the cause.

Regardless of the weather conditions, Carl Volk, event organizer, felt that the event was successful. The event was a success, primarily due to a local riding club, The Gray Beards, said Volk. If it hadnt been for them, this wouldnt have been possible.

The majority of the participants belonged to the Gray Beards club.

The poker run concluded with announcements of the top-three highest-card winners, with Jim Buckley taking the first place award of $100. An award of $75 was given for second place and $50 for third place.

KARE for Kids also had a drawing for a 50/50 raffle award, with Terry and Wanda Stephens of Dawsonville winning the award of $89. Nearly all of the award money was donated back to KARE for Kids.

As of press time, KARE for Kids was finalizing the total amount of funds raised. Event organizers said no matter the outcome of the total, the event was successful because of the people who were involved.

We are so thankful to the Pool Room and Lorenas for assisting us with the event, Volk stated. We are also very appreciative of the riders who toughed it out to help us, he added.

Return participant KARE for Kids motorcycle rides, Rick Stratton, added, We got wet, but it was worth it.

Were always about charity.