A Ride on the Wild Side

Doug Halverson does not like golf.

So when the president and CEO of wanted to hold a fundraiser to benefit the of Burlington and Camden counties, he didn't want to hold a golf tournament. He had a better idea.

“We’ve know Doug for some time,” said Tim Kerrihard, president and CEO of the Y. “He’s a visionary leader. His ideas turn into good things.”

Halverson’s idea to raise money for the Y: the Cycle of Life Motorcycle Poker Run.

The event, which begins at 8 a.m. June 18 at the Y, consists of a 100-plus mile ride that ends with a picnic at The Flying W Airport Resort in Medford. Riders will draw cards at the start of the ride, at three stops along the route and a final card at the Flying W. The best hands win prizes.

In its fourth year, the Motorcycle Poker Run has been a success for both The Evergreens and the Y. Over the past three years, the event has raised $23,000 for the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign.

“We have a special relationship with the Y,” said Halverson, noting the Y runs The Evergreens aquatics and exercise programs. “They are an extraordinary benefit to the community and we continue to build our friendship with them.”

There will also be a walk at the Y that runs at the same time as the motorcycle ride, giving everyone an opportunity to participate, said Halverson.

Last year 85 motorcyclists participated in the event. Halverson said they won’t know until Saturday how many will ride this year.

“There’s a lot of closet riders in the area,” he said. “There’s a lot of riders around here who don’t ride a lot.”

The cost to participate is $25 per rider and $15 per passenger.  Riders can pre-register prior to the event date by contacting Nicole Albrecht at nalbrecht@evergreens.org or 856-439-2090. Riders can also register the morning of the event.

“This is a real nice event,” said Kerrihard. “It’s a nice way to put our two organizations together.”