The 5th Annual Memorial Poker Run, a cancer fundraiser event, was held this past Sunday, February 4, 2006.  The event began Sunday morning at Gulf 104 (a Cumulus Radio Station), located at 3411 W. Tharpe Street in Tallahassee, Florida.  From there the riders traveled to Hobbit Hoagie in the Southwest Publix shopping center, then to Sandy Bottoms in Woodville, then to the Skybox in Crawfordville, and finally ended up at Hogpen Custom Cycles in Crawfordville.  Each rider picked up a playing card at each stop to put towards their poker hand.

The day featured live music from Locomotive and a special appearance by The Pat Ramsey Band, featuring Rick Lollar.  Tons of door prizes were awarded, and freebies were tossed into the crowd.  An auction containing several different items was held, including an oil painting that was painted and donated by Professor Barry Bullard at Keiser College that sold for $200! 

The Best Hand received a 3 hour gift certificate from Mike's Limo and a poker table complete with clay chips and all the other necessary accessories; a nice deal. The Worst Hand received a bottle of Crown Royal and other items. There was a ton of food.  Thanks to Pizza Hut in Crawfordville and Pizza Hut on West Tennessee Street in Tallahassee for feeding the hungry participants!


According to Event Coordinator Beth Smallwood, the Annual Memorial Poker Run is held in memory Lee Woodall, a very dear friend of hers as well as the Wakulla and Leon County residents who knew him so well, and also in memory of others who have lost the battle to cancer.  Says Smallwood, "It started in February 2002 as a benefit to help Lee pay for his medical and shelter expenses after he found out he had cancer.  Lee later lost that battle to cancer in October of 2002."

Smallwood added that during his treatments he discovered the American Cancer Society's Gainesville Hope Lodge.  The Lodge allowed him and one caregiver to stay free of charge while he had treatments in the local area.  The Lodge only stays open due to donations, thus the catalyst for this fundraising event.


Says Smallwood, "All in all, despite a few set-backs we did manage to raise over $5,500.00 this year, which was pretty good considering it was Superbowl Sunday."

A huge thanks goes out to Gulf 104 Radio and all the staff...Brandie Lynn Double J, Will and Chris.  "Without Gulf 104 I never would have had such a good turnout," says Smallwood.  "They have hung in here ever year for me!"

Smallwood would like to thank everyone who came out this year and helped make the day such a success.  She wants everyone to know that this event will be ongoing, and hopes to see it grow each year.


- Submitted to Wakulla.com by Beth Smallwood

- All photography courtesty of Tracie Churchard

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