The local chapter of the Wingmen Motorcycle Club plans to donate proceeds from a poker run Saturday to a local veterans group.

Funds raised will be used to make enhancements to the Veterans Memorial at Dawson County’s Veterans Memorial Park.

The Dawson County Veterans Affairs Committee began the enhancement program more than two years ago with plans to expand the site to provide “a place for all veterans to come and reflect,” said board member and Vietnam veteran Wayne Watkins.

Enhancement efforts included renaming Dawson County Park to Veterans Memorial Park in honor of the park’s Veterans Memorial Wall. Additional improvements include a brick walkway and possibly a fountain.

Dawson County Wingmen member Scott “Smokey” Paquette said the group of local riders, many of which are either active military or have previously served their country, are proud to be able to help.

The Wingmen plan to hold four poker runs throughout the year and raise $5,000 to benefit the memorial.

Pam Hamalainen, president of the Dawson County Veterans Affairs Committee, said the organization is proud to have the Dawson County Wingmen Motorcycle Club as the group’s first $5,000 gold level sponsor.

“You’re going to see us a lot more active this year,” she said.

Riders will pull out of Veterans Memorial Park in unison at noon Saturday and travel to several stops to collect cards throughout the community.

The ride ends at the Wingmen’s clubhouse, located at the intersection of Harmony Church and Price roads.

Prizes will be awarded for the best and the worst poker hands. The winner of the poker run will receive $50, while the loser will get his $25 registration fee back.

For more information on the poker run, call (706) 429-3812 or e-mail smokey9339@yahoo.com.