We are once again very proud of our community for pulling together to help a child in need. Ride for a Friend continues to thrive thanks to our many sponsors and community members who support us. We can't thank you all enough. We are steadily making small improvements every year and we hope we can continue to enjoy your support as we begin to plan for the 2020 Ride for a Friend.
The 2019 Ride for a Friend would not have been possible if it was not for the generous support of our sponsors. We are extremely grateful for their help in making our 7th Annual Charity Poker Run possible.
Please join us in thanking the following organisations!
92.7 Rock
Wright Air Systems
The Beausejour Inn & Restaurant
Lavigne Tavern
Monetville Tavern
Al's Plumbing And Heating Ltd
ASA Alloys
Boozefighters Chapter 77
Brafasco
Caisse Populaire Alliance
Campeau Heating
Carrier HVAC
Collective Haus Barber Shop
Cousin Vinny’s
Crocodile Printing & Signs
CT Hydraulics
Duct Check
Forest and Lawn
Gagnon HVAC
Garson Foodland
Gloria’s Restaurant
Gonga's Grill
HKH Electric Ltd
Ideal Roofing
Jack's Masonry
Janex Cleaning & Janitorial Supplies
Kleen Flo
KR Chemicals
Kustom Klubhouse
L'Autochtone - Taverne Américaine
Leather Works
M.I.C. Canadian Eatery & Whisky Pub
Maslack
Noelville Rentals
Northfast
Respect is Burning
Skin Illusions
Studio 613 Tattoo
Studio Cardinal Tattoo
Styles by Shannon
Sudbury Fine Cars
Sudbury Small Engine
Sudbury Subs
Taylor Sheet Metal
The Plaza Hotel
The Rock Harley-Davidson
Tim Horton’s - 1813 Regent St
Tim Horton’s - 2040 Algonquin
Tuco’s Tacos
Witrak Auto Specialties
Wolseley Canada Plumbing & HVAC
The Ride for a Friend organizers and hard working volunteers would like to introduce you to the Karwaski family of Sudbury.
We initially became involved with the Karwaskis, as we do every year, by way of referral from Sudbury NEO Kids at Health Sciences North. Kevin and Lisa’s son Kayden or “Smiley” as his friends and family called him, suffered from a rare genetic disorder, severe complex epilepsy, severe global developmental delay, asthma, bowel issues, and allergies. The primary diagnosis of a rare genetic condition, a mitochondrial disorder, is so rare that it was not yet identified with a name and Kayden was believed to be the only living person in the world to have it.
It was with great sadness to his family, friends, caregivers, and all who were lucky enough to know him that Kayden passed away on January 17th, 2019. In addition to his loving parents Kevin and Lisa, Kayden is also survived by his siblings Dakota and Karsen.
Dakota and Karsen have had their own challenges. This brother and sister were each diagnosed with autism, requiring additional support from mom and dad, the school system and various community resources. This hard working family hasn't had it easy and now with the cuts in education and to autism programs at the provincial level things are not about to get any easier. Kevin works full time as a heavy equipment operator and mom Lisa has stayed home to care for their children. In memory of Kayden, we've chosen to continue this year's Ride for a Friend with this wonderful family to give them the assistance that we were not able to when Kayden was still with us.
We hope you’ll join us again this year, or for the first time, to help support a local family. Of course we expect to have a great time doing it!
Saturday, August 17th, 2019
Poker Run General:
1. Ride for a Friend is a Poker Run. The objective of participants is to visit at up to 6 checkpoints, drawing a playing card at each one. The goal is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. Having the best hand and winning is purely a matter of chance. The event has a time limit (11am-3pm), however the individual participants are not timed.
2. This is not a parade ride. Riders may complete the route at their own pace and in the sequence of their choice. Please view our interactive map to help decide what route you will take. There are 3 route ideas provided to get you started: The Short Run: 82km, 1hr ride; The Long Run: 179km, 2hr 14min ride; The Big Loop: 213km, 2hr 38min ride.
The Details:
1. The action all starts at 11am.
2. Riders can register and begin their run at any of the 6 checkpoints any time after 11am
3. There will be a Road Captain located at Jean Guy Rubber Boots in Sturgeon Falls, to lead riders who would like to ride in a group or don't know their way around the area. Departure at 11:30am. See event staff for details.
4. $20 per hand. Riders or passengers may purchase multiple hands.
5. Poker Run Play Card must be submitted by 3pm at the Beausejour.
Playing your Hand:
1. You’ll draw 1 card at each of the check points. If you draw an identical card as one you are already scored for, the card will be void and you will draw again
2. Hands will be determined by the ‘Poker Run Score Card’ which you’ll receive at your first check point
3. You may purchase additional cards when submitting your Score Card to improve your hand. Prior to drawing your additional card you’ll have to forfeit one card from your existing hand. A maximum of 2 additional cards may be purchased for $5 each.
Destinations:
1. French River Rest Stop @ French River Hwy 69 crossing
2. *Beausejour Inn & Restaurant @ 1527 Hwy 64, Alban
3. Monetville Tavern and Lodge @ 53 Shanty Bay, Monetville
4. Lake Nipissing Narrows @ North of Monetville Hwy 64
5. The Lavigne Tavern, @ Lavigne on Hwy 64
6. Jean Guy Rubber Boots Tavern @ 201 Main Street, Sturgeon Falls
*Final destination and hand submission point is Beausejour in Alban.
View the Interactive Map
1. We’ll be holding a 50/50 draw
2. Door prizes. Keep your ticket stubs!
Entertainment:
1. These year's musical performers include Satan's Sugar Band, and Chanelle Albert & The Easy Company
2. Stay with us all night for food, liquid refreshments, our signature boat fire, and live music. Please drink responsibly and better yet - set up your tent and spend the night.
Camping:
1. Join us at the Beausejour where you can sent up your tents for FREE. Porta-John's are on site. Please see event staff for tenting locations.
The Ride for a Friend organizing committee is proud to bring you our 7th Annual Hwy64 Charity Poker Run on August 17th, 2019.
This is a game, not a race, played out on the highways of Northeastern Ontario to raise money for local charity. We intend to make the Ride for a Friend Annual Charity Poker Run the premier Poker Run event in Northern Ontario. This year’s recipients are the Karwaski family of Sudbury.
The event will begin with registrations taking place at any of our Six "Checkpoints". Then you’re off to enjoy a scenic ride through the French River and West Nipissing areas along beautiful HWY 64. The run will conclude at the Beausejour Inn & Restaurant where participants will be entertained with live music.
All makes and models of motorcycles and classic cars and cruisers are welcome to participate. Money will be raised for teh Karwaski family through registration fees and pledges collected by participants.
Join us on Facebook, RSVP the Event, and invite your friends!!
