On Saturday, July 22, Laurens Electric Cooperative hosted its fourth annual Poker Run. This year’s event raised $4050 to benefit the emergency relief fund Cooperative Caring, and included over 275 bikers.

Maggie Frady was the winner of the $1000 prize for best poker hand at Laurens Electric’s 4th Annual Poker Run. Participants helped raise over $4050 for the emergency relief fund Cooperative Caring.

The ride began at Laurens Electric’s main office off Highway 14 in Laurens, and included several locations across the Upstate where participants rested and drew cards. Registration was $25 per rider per hand, and $10 per passenger per hand, all proceeds benefiting Cooperative Caring.

Maggie Frady from Mountville, SC, won $1000 for the best poker hand. Frady said this was her first Laurens Electric Poker Run, but she’d definitely plan to participate again next year. Other prizes included $500 for the second best hand won by Gene Townsend and $250 for the worst poker hand, won by Chuck Lever.

Prizes were announced at the final stop of the ride, held this year at Harley Davidson of Greenville. “This is one of most well-run events I’ve ever seen,” said Laura Jackerson, Marketing & Event Coordinator for Harley Davidson of Greenville.

During the event, many participants bought tickets for $10 each from Laurens Electric employees for a chance to win a 2006 Harley Davidson Softail. All proceeds over the cost of the motorcycle will be given to the American Cancer Society. The drawing for the winner will be held on August 4, 2006 at the Relay For Life event hosted by Timken Corp. in Clinton.

“We are so pleased with the community support that we have received for this event.  Bikers from all over the state have come to show their support,” said Laurens Electric Cooperative employee and event organizer David Hammond. “In fact, the event has begun to spread beyond South Carolina to include participants from Georgia and North Carolina. We expect next year’s turn-out to continue to grow even larger,” added Hammond.

Laurens Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility serving 49,000 families and businesses in seven counties of the Upstate since 1939. In keeping with its Mission Statement and Core Values, Laurens Electric remains committed to the communities it serves.