Bikers Build Lucky Poker Hands for Wounded Vets

Bikers Build Lucky Poker Hands for Wounded Vets

Fairfax City Patch

By Chris Steuble

06.13.11

Harleys and Hondas alike lined up at Patriot Harley-Davidson in Fairfax City on Saturday to test their luck and raise money for wounded veterans and their families.

105.9 The Edge morning show co-host Mike O'Meara organized the Ride of the House Poker Run along with Patriot Harley. Participants donated to the Fisher House, an organization that builds temporary homes at military medical facilities for the families of wounded veterans undergoing treatment.

"[The Fisher House offers] military members and their families a place to stay because sometimes they have to travel hundreds of miles, even thousands, to be with a loved one that's in a military hospital," said Bob Trost, head of the local Harley Owners Group. "Now they can get a 'no cost' room to be with their family and provide that support. For us to be able to do something like, that complimenting the support we give to all the Americans in uniform down range and in the country, well it fills your heart with pride and makes you feel so wonderful. It's great to be an American!"

Riders paid $20 to get a poker hand. They rode to Manassas Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, then Old Dominion Speedway to pick up more cards. Participants turned in their poker hands at the Water’s Edge in Woodbridge for a chance to win Harley swag and VIP tickets to the Def Leppard/Heart show at Jiffy Lube Live in July.

"I'm thrilled at the turnout," said O'Meara. "I threw a party and everybody came."

Even Charles Crumrine and Candace Hoaas, who only recently joined the local Harley group, made it out to support the troops.

"This is our first event here as we just joined as members, but we're all about charities and anything for the soldiers, we'll do."