Poker Run Benefits The Karen McGovern Memorial Fund
On Saturday May 22, the roar of 65 motorcycles could be heard throughout the Clay Hill neighborhood in Hoosick Falls as the St. Stanislaw Society’s annual Poker Run took off to benefit The Karen McGovern Memorial Fund.
Patrol vehicles from the Hoosick Falls Police Department and Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department escorted the riders through the Village as they began their trip to Albie’s Restaurant in Cambridge, The Old Station in Greenwich, the American Legion Hall in Mechanicville and The Rustic Barn in Spiegletown before completing their ride and receiving their last poker card at the Society’s Hall in Hoosick Falls. The event was co-chaired by Donna and Don Armstrong with help from Ginnie Blinstrub, Events Coordinator at the Hall. The Poker Run raised $1,500 for the Fund.
Karen’s Fund was started by Karen’s friends following her death from cancer in 2000. Each September a co-ed volleyball tournament is held at the Sand Bar in Hoosick Falls and the proceeds of the day, together with other fund raising efforts and memorial contributions are given to local residents battling cancer and other serious illnesses. Over $120,000 has been raised and distributed by the Fund since its inception. Every dollar donated to Karen’s Fund is given to people in need. The Rural Rensselaer County Council for Health and Human Services helps identify those in need and coordinates the distribution of the funds.