submitted by Bill McGovern
On Saturday May 19, over 70 motorcycles and one sports car turned out for the St. Stanislaw Society’s Annual Poker Run to benefit The Karen McGovern Memorial Fund. The riders made stops at the American Legion in Arlington, VT, Kevin’s in North Bennington, The Man of Kent in Tibbet’s Forest and Louis’s in Schagticoke, before completing their ride and receiving their last poker card at the Society’s Hall in Hoosick Falls where a dinner, hosted by the women of the Society, completed the day’s events. Don Armstrong, longtime organizer of the Poker Run, was unable to ride in this year’s
event as he is struggling with serious complications from Lyme disease. One half of the day’s proceeds will be given to Don to help him with mounting medical costs and in recognition of his work on behalf of Karen’s Fund. The day was a record breaker as more cycles and participants registered than ever before in this annual event. On top of that, the Society has agreed to match up to $1,000 of the funds raised as part of its community charity program.
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 $150,000 has been raised and distributed by the Fund since its inception. Every dollar donated to Karen’s Fund is given to people in our community. The money raised here stays here. The Rural Rensselaer County Council for Health and Human Services helps identify those in need and coordinates the distribution of the funds.