This weekend the Elizabethton Elks Lodge is taking to the roads to help out some local families and lodge members are inviting the community to join them.
On Saturday, Oct. 8, the Elizabethton Elks Lodge is hosting a Poker Run to help provide clothing, coats, shoes, food and toys to several local families for Christmas this year.
“It’s not just for motorcycles,” said Jacklyn Morris, Exalted Ruler of the Elizabethton Elks Lodge. “Some people come in cars. We want to let everyone know they are welcome to ride with us.”
Though the Elks Lodge holds a variety of fundraisers and special events throughout the year to support their community charity work, Morris said this is the first time such an event is being held to help a specific group of people.
Recently while working with the TLC Community Center on another event, Morris said staff at the center informed her of some local families who are very much in need.
“After I found out there are seven families with kids in Hampton camping because they don’t have anywhere to live I knew we had to do something,” Morris said. “We are going to try to feed and clothe them and buy them some toys.”
To take part in the Poker Run, participants will pay a $10 rider fee. In exchange for the riders fee, participants will be entered to win a prize in a special drawing.
All of the money raised through the event will go to benefit these local families, Morris said. Those who cannot take part in the Poker Run can make a $10 donation during the event registration and be entered into the prize drawing, Morris said. Anyone else who wishes to make a contribution to helping these local families can do so by contacting the Elizabethton Elks Lodge at 423-543-2341.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. at the Elks Lodge, located at 1000 N. Sycamore St. The ride will take off at 11 a.m. The first stop in the Poker Run will be Tulips American Pub and Grub in Johnson City. From there the ride will head to the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Jonesborough before stopping at the Erwin Elks Lodge. From there the riders will return to Elizabethton stopping first at the Elizabethton Moose Lodge before completing the poker run back at the Elizabethton Elks Lodge.
Once the riders return to the Elks Lodge, Morris said there will be free camping, live music and games to enjoy and food will be available for purchase.