Local Bikers Raise $5,720 For Wilson Hospice

SIDNEY—A group of 310 motorcyclists recently participated in the annual poker run raising $5,720 to benefit Wilson Hospice Care. Since the event’s inception in 2005, $12,872 has been raised for Wilson’s hospice program.

“This year’s poker run was another success,” said Bonnie Faulkner, executive director of the Wilson Memorial Hospital Foundation. “It is really great to see the community come together for a day of fun and to raise money for such a wonderful cause. Wilson Memorial Hospital is very grateful for all of the generous donations to help support Wilson Hospice Care.”

Bikers following the suggested route rode 118 miles roundtrip.   Kim Pflum and Walt Clark, co-owners of the 47 Bar and Grill in Port Jefferson organized the fifth annual poker run, which included stops at One More in Piqua, The Oak Tree in Minster, Desperados in Huntsville, Meyer’s Tavern in Botkins and The Pines in Quincy. The Phoenix in Sidney was a bonus stop where riders could pick up an additional card. Dinner was provided by Black Tie Catering.

The organizers chose Wilson Hospice Care due to past personal experiences with hospice programs that have cared for loved ones.

“When we decided to hold a charity poker run back in 2005 it made sense to have the proceeds go to Wilson Hospice Care,” said Pflum. “My family and I have had such wonderful experiences with the program that we wanted to give back for the extraordinary care they provided to our family members.”

Participants had the opportunity to win $25,000 by playing the Harley dice roll. The rider who came closest to winning the money was Suzi Harrod, Sidney. She rolled the dice and five of the six required letters needed to spell out the word, Harley, faced up. A total of 198 tickets were sold to participate in the game.

All participants received a complimentary tube of sunblock from Wilson Memorial Hospital. In addition, Dodie Bowman, who was visiting from Hawaii, sold her handcrafted jewelry with a portion of the profits benefiting Wilson’s hospice program.

The following companies helped make this year’s poker run a success: Rural Sanitation Service; Reames Vaults; Maplewood Excavating; Adam Sturm; Hog Roaster Inc.; Black Tie Catering; Eilerman Insurance; Dawn Clark Allstate Insurance; Mercer Beverages, along with the numerous volunteers that helped with the event.

Wilson Hospice Care services are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week with an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, aides, chaplains, social workers, music therapists, massage therapists, physical, speech and occupational therapists, and volunteers who provide individualized healthcare and comfort to the patient and family. Wilson Hospice Care serves the residents of Shelby, Miami, Champaign, Logan, Auglaize and Darke Counties. Services are provided where ever the patient calls home, whether it be a private residence with family or friends, or in a facility such as a nursing home, assisted living, independent living or retirement center. 

The Wilson Memorial Hospital Foundation exists to contribute to the financial support and betterment of Wilson Memorial Hospital. In doing so, the Foundation assists in maintaining and enhancing patient care services by providing funding for the purchase of essential resources and state-of-the-art technology which only dollars can secure and maintain.

For more information about Wilson Hospice Care, please call (937) 498-9335 or visit Wilson’s website at www.wilsonhospital.com. For information about donating to the Wilson Memorial Hospital Foundation, please call (937) 498-5575.