Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bike rally includes charitable events
Today’s poker run supports scholarships for firefighters’ children
FAYETTEVILLE — Several hungry bikers pulled into the Fayetteville Senior Activity and Wellness Center on Thursday for a meatloaf lunch.
Among them were Mick and Donna Dunn of Stockbridge, Mich. A donation the couple made will support the Meals on Wheels program, which delivers more than 150 meals to homebound seniors each day.
“We like to contribute when we can,” Donna Dunn said. “It makes you feel better when you know your money is going to something good.”
Thursday’s lunch is one of several charitable events scheduled this weekend.
Senior center volunteers also will be selling beer today outside Baum Stadium, 1255 S. Razorback Road.
The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas was involved with the very first “poker runs,” which led to the formation of Bikes, Blues & BBQ in 2000.
“I think what a lot of people don’t realize is this all began because of a charity,” said Cayla Wilson, senior center director. “We don’t want to lose that focus.”
Annual poker runs now benefit the Fayetteville Firefighters Association. According to Jimmy Vinyard, association president, the money generated supports scholarships for firefighters’ children, “dive-in” movies at the Wilson Park Pool, Special Olympics and Camp Sunshine, a summer camp for young burn victims.
Registration for each poker run is $25. Participants can register from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. today and Saturday on the west side of Baum Stadium near the Randal Tyson Track Center. Or they can visit the firefighter’s T-shirt booth on the northwest corner of Dickson Street and West Avenue.
Riders leave Baum Stadium between 8:30 and 10 a.m. today and Saturday.
Today ’ s run travels through Eureka Springs, Huntsville, Crosses and Elkins before ending at Mojo’s Pints & Pies near the corner of North and Garland Avenue. Tomorrow’s stops include Devil’s Den State Park, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Siloam Springs, One Eyed Jacks Fine Tobacco Lounge in Bentonville, Kyya Chocolate in Elm Springs and Riverside Entertainment in Siloam Springs.
Two breakfasts for local nonprofit organizations are scheduled Saturday morning.
Volunteers will be serving pancakes, waffles, bacon, coffee and juice from 8 to 10 a.m. at the beer garden on Dickson Street. The breakfast is paid for by Progressive Insurance, one of the main sponsors of this year’s rally. All donations will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Washington County. Michelle Davis, development manager, said the money will go directly into the organization’s building fund.
LifeSource International, is hosting its annual Hog Country Breakfast from 7:30 a. m. to 10: 30 a. m. outside its building at the corner of South School Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The breakfast will feature chicken biscuits, bacon, sausage and fresh fruit and is being sponsored by several businesses, including the Briar Rose Bakery & Deli, Newly Weds Foods and Onyx Coffee Lab.
Bikes, Blues & BBQ organizers have contributed to local charities during the past 16 years when there’s money leftover after expenses for the rally. Last year, $55,000 was donated to 24 charities.
“That is the important aspect of the rally quite frankly,” Joe Giles, executive director, said. “At the end of the day, we’re extremely happy with all of the money we give to local charities, and we’re extremely proud of the economic impact we create.”