It will be an ace in the hole for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley at the Ride for Kids’ Sake Poker Run on Sept. 11.

Poker Run flyer Poker Runs are popular among motorcycle clubs and enthusiasts across the country, not just for the fun, camaraderie, and competition, but for their fundraising capabilities.

Organized with Big Brothers Big Sisters by Redstone Harley Davidson and Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club, there are many variations to motorcycle poker, but the Kids’ Sake Poker Run is freeform, with bikers drawing their first card at Redstone Harley Davidson and heading out at 10:30 a.m.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has partnered with the Flint River Coffee Co., Billy’s Sports Bar and Grill in Hazel Green, and the Bowler Hat Brewing Co. in Madison to act as card draw checkpoints.

It is not a race so there is no rush to finish and, in fact, participants are encouraged to stop along the way and enjoy their rides. The best hand and worst hand at the end of the “run” are winners – but no one is a bigger winner than Big Brothers Big Sisters.

According to Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Michelle Linville, raising awareness that there are too many kids out there who need a role model or personal cheerleader, is just as important as raising money for its programs.

“Currently, we have over 100 ‘Littles’ (mentees) somewhere in our enrollment process, versus 20-something ‘Bigs’,” Linville said. “Our Big pool is mostly female, and our pool of Littles is primarily male. While we can match cross-gender at times, too many boys in our community don’t have positive male role models and that is what a lot of them need most.

“Also, our kids need that extra person even more after the past year-and-a-half of disrupted education, lack of social engagement, loss of communication with friends, and many other risk factors impacting their lives as a result of COVID.”

Registration is $20 per single licensed bike and $10 per passenger. All proceeds go toward Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship programs.

Event coordinator Jenny Yeager said there will be an information table set up upon registration at Redstone Harley Davidson where volunteers can fill out an application.

“People can ask questions in person,” she said. “Background checks, references, an interview, and in-home visit and training are all required.

“It is our vision that all youth achieve their full potential. By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers, and others in the community, we are accountable for each child in our program achieving higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, avoidance of risky behaviors, and educational success.”