Organizers Set For 6th Brandy Winfield Poker Run

The Brandy Winfield Memorial Fundraiser Corporation has announced plans for the 6th Annual Brandy Winfield Memorial Poker Run.

One change has been made to the event for 2010.  On Friday, June 4, at 7:00 p.m., the Brandy Winfield Poker Run committee would like to invite the entire community to the Cemetery where they will honor Brandy.  In the past, one of the stops in the Saturday ride has been at the cemetery. Organizers hope that changing the cemetery visit to Friday night will allow more people from the community (including those on motorcycles, those in cars, and those on foot) to honor Brandy at this memorial service and also allow more time for the ride on Saturday.

On Saturday, June 5, registration for the Poker Run will once again start at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1232 East Center Street in Marion Ohio.  The day will begin with breakfast served at 8:30 a.m.  Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m.  All bikes will leave the K. of C. beginning at noon.

Also available to purchase the day of the ride are t-shirts to celebrate the 6th year of the ride and raffle tickets for prizes. The 1st place prize in the raffle is a washer and dryer donated by Whirlpool Corporation.  2nd place is a $500 gift certificate donated by Ashley Furniture and 3rd place is a GPS system donated by Showplace, Inc.  Tickets are $5 each or five for $20.00.

Cost for the 2010 Poker Run is $20/couple and $15/single and includes a dinner at the end of the ride. Also planned for the evening festivities will be door prizes, 50/50 drawing, beer garden and the local band Straight Jacket.

The Brandy Winfield Poker Run has been able to help many worthwhile causes over the past 6 years with the support of everyone involved. Proceeds from the 2010 ride will benefit 3 causes important to the family of Brandy Winfield.

On April 24, 2009, Chevette Jessie was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident.  Chevette was a long time friend of Brandy Winfield and a volunteer at the annual Poker Run. Chevette leaves behind a son & daughter.  In her memory, the Poker Run will make a donation to her children's College Trust Fund.

A second donation from the proceeds of the 2010 Poker Run will be made to Youth Athletic Leagues in Marion and Union counties.  This fund will assist young children in these two counties that are unable to participate in youth athletic leagues due to “pay to participate” fees. The hope with this donation is that more children become active in sports and physical fitness to promote healthier lifestyles.

A third cause this year will be a $500 donation to the American Cancer Society/Marion County Relay for Life in the name of Karen Jerew. Karen is one of the founding members of the Brandy Winfield Memorial Poker Run and was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2009. Karen has completed her course of treatment and is back to work and doing well. With this donation, organizers are showing support to Karen and the many others that have fought and continue to courageously battle cancer.

Since the first run on June 4, 2005, the Brandy Winfield Memorial Poker Run has raised $92,400.  The groups and organizations that have benefited from this are the Winfield Children Trust Fund, The Brandy Winfield Memorial Scholarship Fund, Ridgedale High School Athletic Department, Concerns of Police Survivors – Ohio  Chapter, Concerns of Police Survivors – Kids Camp, Tri-Rivers Joint Vocational School Law Enforcement Program, Safety City of Marion, the Fraternal Order of Police Steve Young Memorial Lodge, the Richwood, Ohio Police Department K-9 Fund and former Marion City Police Officer Cory Winfield’s recovery after he was struck by a drunk driver while riding his motorcycle home after his shift on August 19th, 2007.

“We invite everyone to join us as we once again ride in honor of fallen Marion County Deputy Sheriff, Brandy Winfield. It is with great honor and pride that this event continues in memory of Officer Winfield’s spirit and dedication while serving the citizens of Marion County.“, states Chairman Chris Sanders.

For more information, visit www.brandywinfieldrun.org or call 740-389-5974.