Eagle Riders to host Poker Run April 18

The Eagle Riders of Nevada Eagles Aerie 3770 is hosting its annual Poker Run to benefit Children's Mercy Hospital of Kansas City on Saturday, April 18. The ride is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and should be concluded some time around 4:30 p.m., according to Dave Jones, president of the Eagle Riders.

So far this year, the Eagles of Nevada have raised $13,295.50 for Children's Mercy Hospital.

"That's our pet charity," said Eagles trustee Randy Cassidy. The public may join the poker run and participate in the events to follow. "Any time we do a Children's Mercy event, it's always open to the public," said Jones.

Riders will travel from Nevada to Fort Scott and Fulton, Kan., then on to Hume and Rich Hill before returning to Nevada, a total trip of about 85 miles. Riders must be back in Nevada by 4:30, because "the last card will be handed out at 4:30," said Becky Jones, secretary of the Eagle Riders.

The riders will be able to eat when they start rolling back in and an auction of donated items will begin some time between the time the last card is handed out and 5 p.m. First prize for the poker run is $100, second $50 and third $25. There will also be trophies awarded. The auction contains many different items, and among them are some knives and new guns donated by members.

There will also be some door prizes and a raffle and a 50/50 pot. The event will continue into the evening with a pool tournament scheduled to begin as soon as the auction is concluded. At 8 p.m., a band, The Rounders, will take the stage and play until midnight.

Riders may register at the Nevada Eagles Lodge at 3313 E. Austin or at Rusty's in Fort Scott at 16 N. National. Riders also can register the day of the event. There is a $15 registration fee and an extra hand will cost $5. The meal after the ride costs $7.50 per person.

For more information, contact Becky or Dave Jones at (417) 944-2807, Bill Miller at (417) 321-3070 or Mearl Johnson at (417) 684-1332.