Poker Run Raises $2,500 For Wilson Hospice

SIDNEY—A group of 415 motorcyclists recently participated in the annual poker run raising $2,500 to benefit Wilson Hospice Care. Since the event’s inception in 2004, $15,372 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 over 120 miles roundtrip.   Kim Pflum and Walt Clark, co-owners of the 47 Bar and Grill in Port Jefferson organized the annual poker run, which included stops at the Oak Tree in Minster, Desperados in Huntsville, Meyer’s Tavern in Botkins, Stardust in Sidney and 47 Bar and Grill.

Following the poker run, participants enjoyed dinner prepared by the 47 Bar and Grill at the Dan McKibben Shelter and music provided by Tough Break.

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

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

Winners were Betsy Morris – 1^st place $300 prize; Tom Dill – 2^nd place $200 prize; Omer Parker – 3^rd place$100 prize; and Kurt Hughes won the 50/50 raffle prize of $625.

The following companies helped make this year’s poker run a success: Rural Sanitation Service; Hog Roaster Inc.; Grand Rental; C&G Beverages; Hair Expressions; Mercer Beverages; Gordon Foods; Sandy & Dan McKibben; and Jon Baker, 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 is 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 or the website at www.wilsonhospitalfoundation.com.