Riders from across California take part in Chapter 534’s annual fundraiser for scholarships, to assist other nonprofits.
A tradition spanning more than two decades again took place recently in California, where American Legion Riders from across the state came to Orcutt to take part in ALR Chapter 534’s 21st annual poker run fundraiser.
This year’s 90-mile ride through California’s Central Coast region ride included three stops at local establishments. “We’re trying to help them have some business and have our Riders help out those establishments by stopping there,” said Pernell Rush, Chapter 534’s director and a past post vice commander.
Rush has been involved in the past five to six poker runs. “We just keep putting it on,” he said. “It attracts the Riders, both from the area and outside the area.”
The ride has attracted close to 100 participants in past years; this year drew more than 40, including American Legion Riders from chapters in Tulare, Visalia, Hollywood and Bakersfield.
“We’ve gotten to meet Riders from some of the other areas and make those acquaintances,” Rush said. “Some of the guys from the inner-cities, like the (Los Angeles) area, they make the trek up and they enjoy the less-traffic areas that we have to ride. They say it’s nice to come up here and ride with a lot less headaches.”
Around $5,000 is raised annually. In the past, the money has gone to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, but in the past couple of years the money has gone to fund local scholarships for high school students and to assist other nonprofits in the area that provide assistance to veterans.
“We’re trying to keep it local now so we can see the impact of what we raise,” said Rush.
This year’s fundraiser also included a raffle, while American Legion Auxiliary Unit 534 sold burritos and salsa on the day of the ride.
“Being the director, I enjoy this ride because we’re raising money for the cause and for our fellow veterans,” Rush said. “It’s also for other veteran causes that might need a little financial backing. Sometimes that’s what it takes.
“But we also get out and promote the Riders. People see the patch on the backs of our vests in the area. Some of the areas we come through are touristy areas. They get to see motorcyclists come through being responsible riders. It’s good P.R.”
Watch television station KSBY’s video coverage of this year’s ride here.
- Riders