Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Food, cars, poker lead way in Ranchito fundraiser

Jonathan Butz News-Bulletin Intern; jbutz@news-bulletin.com

Los Lunas An entire Saturday full of nothing but food, poker and cars would be any man's dream come true, but it's rare when these things can all come together to serve a charitable purpose.

Saturday, June 24, will be one of those rare occasions, combining an auto and motorcycle show, live entertainment and a 164-mile poker run, all the proceeds of which will go to benefit El Ranchitos de Los Niños children's home.

It will be the second time around for the poker run, which started last year after a group of local automotive and bike enthusiasts got together and began discussing a way to help out.

"We're just a group of common guys, we're not an organization or anything, just a bunch of guys and gals who wanted to help out," said Steve Otero, one of the key coordinators of this year's event.

Signup for the event begins at 8 a.m. at The Branch Books, Gifts and Espresso, while the rest of the day's events will take place in the Valencia Plaza parking lot on Main Street.

The poker run will begin at 9 a.m. and is expected to run until about 1:30 p.m. Otero said the poker run works just like a regular poker game, except it's spread out all over Valencia County. Participants will start off with one card at the starting point, from which they will travel to designated points around the county. At each stopping point, the participant will be able to pick a card. At the end of the route, the person with the best hand wins $750, while the person with the worst hand will win $250.

Otero said there is a $20 registration fee for one hand, which includes breakfast, lunch and drinks for the day, as well as a T-shirt. Participants may also buy additional hands for an extra $10.

Aside from the poker run, the event will feature a car and motorcycle show and prizes will be offered to the winners. It costs $10 to enter vehicles into the show and anyone 18 or under may show their vehicle for free.

The event also will feature live music from the well-known band The Remedy, beginning at 1 p.m. The band has opened for Brooks & Dunn and Rick Trevino, in addition to developing a strong local following.

Otero said he is excited about this year's event because a large turnout is expected. He said he expects almost 300 bikers to attend.

"There is never really anywhere for people like us to get together, but this is going to be special to us because it's a local thing where motorcycle and car enthusiasts can gather and enjoy themselves," Otero said.

Most importantly, he said, is that El Ranchito children's home will benefit from the event. Already, the group has been able to earn the $3,000 for the home.

"We guaranteed them $3,000 and we've met our commitment, but now we want to exceed our goal," Otero said.

El Ranchito children's home is a nonprofit organization that provides children and sibling groups a safe and caring alternative to foster care. Joseph Barbour, executive director of the home, said El Ranchito's main emphasis is to keep siblings and families together.

"We mainly try to keep families connected. We're tickled to death that they chose the event to benefit us," Barbour said. "This money helps keep the program alive and the best part is that it's support from local community."

Many of the group members said they have received tremendous support from local businesses and community members in coordinating the event. Charlie Peoples has been a part of the group for some time and said he was proud to be involved.

"This group has been putting on events for years. This is the type of thing they do," Peoples said. "And, especially with this community scenario, it makes you proud to be a part of Valencia County."

Otero said he wanted to encourage all enthusiasts and families to participate and support the cause. He also said any volunteers are welcome and will be provided with a T-shirt and food throughout the day. Anyone interested in helping may call Otero at 865-5916. Anyone who would like more information on the poker run, or to register early, may call 975-2116.

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