Summer Fun Poker Run For Women’s Resource Center

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Resource Center, Hickory, NC, held its first ever poker run style fundraiser event on June 27 and there was a great turnout in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. It was a great day for riding, and everyone was cooperative in complying with the CDC’s latest rules and regulations.

WRC is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1986 that has proven to be an invaluable asset to the community. Women’s Resource Center describes their center as “a welcome center and safety net for women in Catawba, Burke, Caldwell and Alexander counties”. They provide resource referrals, goal planning and mental / emotional health support through phone calls, appointments, support groups and

wellness gatherings. “We envision a world where ALL women have equal opportunities to thrive.”

The run began with riders gathered at Blue Ridge HarleyDavidson for registration, and then proceeded to Women’s

Resource Center, located at 125 3rd Street NE, in Hickory to draw the first card for their “poker hand”. Thereafter, the riders drew their next three cards at Café Gouda (Hickory), Crossroads Grill (Taylorsville), and Shell’s BBQ (Hickory) before returning to Blue Ridge Harley-Davidson for the final card draw, door prizes, 50/50 raffle and a silent auction.

Over 78 local businesses and restaurants supported the fundraiser through donated items and gift cards for the door prize drawings! The silent auction consisted of several unique items donated from area businesses and artisans, including a 12” hand-crafted metal motorcycle, a motorcycle/ATV floor jack, a Harley-Davidson leather jacket, Keurig coffee machine, handcrafted beaded jewelry, an assortment of goodie baskets and more.

Black Sheep Harley-Davidson for Christ member as well as Catawba Valley HOG member, Bob Langevin, won $187 from the 50/50 drawing and graciously donated his winnings back to the cause. The $250 prize for the “Best Hand” went to Catawba Valley HOG member, Jeff Hill, who also donated his prize money back to WRC, and Pam Wilson was the lucky winner of $50 for drawing the “Worst Hand”.

Michelle Morgan, Executive Director of Women’s Resource Center, was overwhelmed by the amount of support given to this event, which raised $4,000 in much-needed funds for the Center. “I cannot express my gratitude enough to Blue Ridge Harley-Davidson and their Marketing and Events Manager, Bre McCoy, for hosting such a wonderful event for our

Center,” Michelle said. “I am also eternally grateful to Sandra Robertson, Catawba Valley HOG Chapter #4252 Charity Coordinator, for tirelessly organizing this fundraiser for us. Sandra did an amazing job pulling everything together safely in spite of the ongoing pandemic challenges.”

Many thanks to the following event sponsors: The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, FWP Marketing, Illuminatus Marketing, Black Sheep Harley-Davidson for Christ, Edward Jones/ Katie Goforth, Brumit Restaurant Group (Arby’s) and Paul & Susan Fleetwood.

If you are interested in learning more about the programs and services provided by Women’s Resource Center, or how you can become a WRC volunteer, contact them at 828-322- 6333. More information is also available on their website, as well a donation link . www.WRCHickory.org.