News and Events

HUGS Poker Run Held in Denver

UPDATED August 12, 2007 - Helping Ugandans Grow Stronger, Inc. (HUGS) held its first annual "Spirit of Africa Wild Child Poker Run" motorcycle and classic car event, on Saturday, August 11, 2007.

The ride started at the Gander Mountain outdoor store in Thornton, Colorado, just north of Denver. From there, the cyclists made their way up St. Vrain Canyon for a beautiful three-hour ride along the Peak-to-Peak Highway in the Rocky Mountains. The ride ended with a chicken barbeque lunch at Rocky Mountain Harley-Davidson in Littleton.

Poker cards were collected by the riders and passengers at stops along the route. Prizes were awarded at the end of the ride for the best poker hands and farthest travelers. Riders also received a free T-shirt, plus a doughnut and Starbucks coffee! Several classic cars joined the riders at the finish.

The event helped raise money to benefit AIDS/HIV-affected orphans in the village of Bulanga in southern Uganda. Volunteers from Kohl's department store and Smoky Hill Vineyard church of Centennial provided support for the various activities and pit stops. Members of the HUGS Board of Directors were on hand to answer questions about child sponsorship and the HUGS organization.

"We are thrilled that our first Colorado fundraiser was so enjoyable for the riders and volunteers!" said Victoria Gibson, President of HUGS. "Our hope is to grow this event and have similar rallys in other parts of the country." The next poker run is scheduled for the spring of 2008 in San Diego.

HUGS wishes to thank its sponsors and volunteers for helping to make its first poker run a big success. For more information, or to learn about future fundraising events, please send an e-mail to Sue Silva or call HUGS toll-free at 888-766-4847.

 

Photos courtesy of Tony Virgalitte.

 

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