The thunder of Harleys rolled across the countryside Saturday, Sep. 26 as members of the Jokers Motorcycle Club left Lykins Park for a two-hour ride that would take them through Clark and Montgomery counties.
Thirty-six riders took part in a poker run to raise money and awareness for Silent Cry, the Winchester-based organization formed a few months ago to help women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
They included club members from the North Middletown and Morehead chapters.
In a poker run, the riders stop at designated locations to collect playing cards, and whoever ends up with the best hand wins.
Angel had the best hand in the game, and George had the worst.
Club members are known by their handles, not their full names.
“We made close to a thousand dollars,” Brenda Marstella, chief executive officer of Silent Cry Inc., said in a phone call. “I’m excited. It was really good, and we had a lot of people there.”
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About half of the money came from the poker run and the other half was from a silent auction.
Thirty or so businesses also contributed gift cards, services and other prizes for the auction to benefit the nonprofit, and others provided food for the event and activities for the kids who came.
“Survivors were heard loud and clear yesterday at Lykins Park,” Silent Cry Inc. posted on its Facebook page.
The post thanked the bikers, New Day Discovery Center, Ark of Mercy, Just Bounce Inflatables, Dr. Ralph Alvarado and his wife, Dawn, and others who supported the fundraiser.
“This incredible Winchester-based nonprofit is making a real difference for some of the most vulnerable women and children in our community,” said Alvarado, a local physician. “Silent Cry provides a safe, judgment-free place for families affected by domestic violence, is working to establish a domestic violence support program, and offers classes for female inmates at the local jail.”
