On Saturday, July 17, Laurens Electric Cooperative hosted its eighth annual Poker Run. This year’s event raised $12,000 to benefit the emergency relief fund Cooperative Caring, and included more than 500 players.
This year’s ride featured dual starts at Laurens Electric’s main office off Highway 14 in Laurens and at Harley Davidson of Greenville, 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.
Prizes were announced at the final stop of the ride at Harley Davidson of Greenville. “Laurens Electric Cooperative’s Poker Run has grown to become the second largest run we’re involved with in the Upstate,” said Laura Jackerson, Marketing & Event Coordinator for Harley Davidson of Greenville.
Brian Clyde of Simpsonville won $2000 for the best poker hand and the prize for the worst hand, $250, was awarded to Crystal Reid of Inman.
“It’s great to be able to raise this much money to help fund relief agencies as they are seeing a growing demand for help in today’s economic climate,” said Laurens Electric Cooperative employee and event organizer David Hammond.
The Cooperative Caring program provides emergency relief funds to help cooperative member-owners who are unable to pay their electric bills. Funds for the program are raised through charity benefits sponsored by the cooperative, such as Laurens Electric’s Annual Charity Golf Event and Annual Poker Run. Local charitable organizations within Laurens Electric Cooperative’s service territory determine emergency relief criteria and distribution of funds using screening processes already in place.