Hit the Road for Suncoast Animal League's Poker Run

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? How about a scenic ride in beautiful Pinellas County?

is hosting a Poker Run to benefit the shelter, which rescues homeless, abused and abandoned animals and helps to place them in permanent homes.

Rick Chaboudy, Executive Director and Co-founder of Suncoast Animal League says the money raised is greatly needed to pay for the cost of animals' medical treatment. Chaboudy says because of the bad economy, many pet owners are not taking their pets to the veterinarian's office when they get sick, like they used to. So, when the pets wind up at the Suncoast Animal League, they are often quite ill which makes the cost of treating the animals much higher.

Chaboudy says the poker run is a fun way to support the Suncoast Animal League.

 "One of the unique aspects of Suncoast Animal League's Poker Run is you don't have to own a motorcycle to join in on all the fun. Cars are welcomed, actually encouraged," said Chaboudy.

Poker Runs are like traditional poker, except participants travel to five different locations to pick up a card for their hand. You can drive your car or a motorcycle for this poker run and there will probably be a scenic or unique route along the way to each stop. Poker runs usually take 3 to 4 hours to complete, with time allotted along the way for participants to get something to eat or drink at a stop if they'd like. At the last stop, a participants poker “hand” is completed and the Poker Run sheet is turned in to see if they won a prize. 

The Suncoast Animal League's Poker Run Stops Include-

• Crabby Bill's 
• Tilted Kilt
• Eddie's Bar & Grill
• Cop Shop
• Captain Jack's 

An after party will be held at Captain Jack's, which is the last stop in the Poker Run. The restaurant will be offering food and drink specials, a band, silent auction items, raffles and award presentations. There will also be photo opportunities with George the Goose and Harley the Motorcycle Dog. Captain Jack's is a dog friendly restaurant, so your dog is welcome to attend.

"Suncoast Animal League's Poker Run is very grateful to have such great sponsors and stops and the after party at Captain Jack's should be a fantastic time. You can have a great time, win some great prizes and help our four-legged friends at the same time," said Chaboudy.

Some of the prizes include Tampa Bay Lightning tickets,  Disney Tickets, a 3-day stay at a Captiva Island resort, and a limited edition signed Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey stick worth more than $400. 

You can register from 10am to noon at Fletcherʼs Harley-Davidson which is located at 17129 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. 1 hand $10/3 hands $25 (3 hands include logo patch while supplies last).