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    Helping their community
May 31, 2009

Poker run Saturday eases shortage of funds

John Walker

DUNCAN — For the first time in its history, Duncan Community Residence held a poker run Saturday as a fundraiser to help supplement a shortage of funds received from the United Way this year.

Duncan Community Residence houses people who cannot live on their own and do not have anyone to live with. They have relied on donations from various organizations and people, but the economy has hurt the number of donations they have received.

“Our board is looking at various funding efforts,” said Brian Wolff, who is the administrator of the institution. “We’re looking at what we need to do to provide home for folks who can’t live on their own.”

Saturday’s efforts was a success. They ended up with more than $2,000 raised from the poker run and associated auction.

“We’ll put it to good use,” Wolff said. “We’re trying to make up a little for what the United Way was not able to supply. We appreciate all who came out. It was real great. It shows how much the people really support us.”

Those who participated in the poker run paid $15 up front to play a hand. They then traveled to three stops on a 91-mile route. The route took them from Duncan to Midway Stop on Oklahoma Highway 7 and then over to Elmore City and then back west to Marlow.

At each of the three stops on the 91-mile route, bikers picked up another playing card.

When they all returned to the Pirkle Pavilion in Fuqua Park, the person with the best hand received $100. But there was also a $50 prize for the worst hand.

“We have a prize for the loser,” Wolff said.

The poker run brought in people from all over who are passionate about motorcycles.

“I put $27,000 into that motorcycle,” said Jimmie Pruitt as he pointed to his bike. “I think I’ll get a three-wheeler when I get old. I’m 81.”

Wolff is not sure if they will hold a poker run again in the future, but he was glad they were able to hold one this year and earn a couple thousand for the institution.

“First time you do anything, you learn stuff you might improve on,” Wolff said.

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