Poker run winners give cash prizes to food charity - KOTA Territory News

Poker run winners give cash prizes to food charity

A KOTA Territory charity group doubled the number of riders in an annual fundraiser this year, and an unexpected move by prize-winners has the organization rejoicing.
 
The second-annual Rushmore Rotary Tikes and Bikes Poker Run, with the start and finish at Black Hills Harley Davidson, attracted around 70 riders, about twice as many as last year.

The money raised from $20 dollar entry fees supports Feeding South Dakota's backpack program, which provides kids with food during the weekends.

Since people could pay more for more poker hands, organizers weren't immediately sure how much money was  raised.
 
"That I don't know," said Michael O'Connor with the Rotary Club. "But we promised the backpack program $2,500, so if we don't raise that much, the club will kick in the balance."
 
And if that's enough to lighten your spirits, the first- and second-place winners didn't hesitate before handing their cash prizes over to the Feeding South Dakota" representative -- $500 in all.
 
"Lots of merchandise in [Black Hills Harley Davidson] that these guys would've loved to spend that money on," said backpack program coordinator Ryan Chocholousek, "but instead, you know, they understand why they're here and they chose to give their money to the backpack program. So, awesome. Awesome."
 
The group can provide a year's worth of weekend food backpacks for $145.

Today's prize money alone will help them feed more than three kids for a year.