I moved from Edinburgh Scotland to a small town in eastern Ohio 4 years ago and participated in my first Poker Run. Uncertain of what a Poker Run was I turned up at the local Harley Dealership to take part. I was blown away as over 1000 motorcycles turned out for the event and I was amazed at riding with such a large group. All I could see ahead of me and in my rear view mirror was motorcycles, as far as I could see glorious motorcycles. At the end of the run I learned that we raised over $35 thousand for MDA and a Harley Davidson motorcycle was won by a lucky lady holding the winning raffle ticket.

I would enjoy Poker Runs in the future, feeling good that they were always supporting a good cause.

Now I find myself working at Best Friends Animal Society in Southern Utah, we are the largest no kill animal sanctuary in the nation. I became the proud owner of a Harley Davidson Night Train earlier this year and persuaded Best Friends CEO Paul Berry and fellow Harley owner to attend a Poker Run with our local dealership, Zion Harley Davidson. It was Paul’s first Poker Run and he loved it.

We discussed the possibility of bringing Bikers and animals together initially in the way of a Poker Run. I met with Alan Blackburn, General Manager of Zion Harley Davidson to discuss an event to benefit the animals. Alan being of a kind heart and an animal lover thought that it was a great idea.

With three months of preparation Best Friends Animal Society in conjunction with Zion Harley Davidson produced the 1st Annual Bikers For Best Friends Poker Run which took place on Saturday 23rd September. Over 100 Bikers participated in the Poker Run, riding through Zion National Park and stopping at Best Friends for a Pasta Extravaganza lunch and everyone headed back to the dealership for raffle prizes.

During the Poker Run at the dealership there was an adoption event taking place. Best Friends had invited and supported several local animal shelters and rescues to attend this wonderful event. The adoption event was a success as several cats and dogs found loving new homes.

The Poker Run was a success and I look forward to a successful future bringing the animals and Bikers together. I’m planning on taking next years Bikers For Best Friends to a national level.

Ross Hartill
Community Manager
Bikers For Best Friends
Best Friends Animal Society

www.bikersforbestfriends.org
rossh@bestfriends.org
www.bestfriends.org

A Better World Through Kindness to Animals