The Alliance VFW Post hosted its annual ride for veterans poker run on June 25, with riders from South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming for a total of 95 participants.
The annual poker run happens every year. The proceeds go toward their Annual Veterans Day Celebration, consisting of a free dinner, giveaways and awards to veterans and military families. This year a percentage of the money raised will be donated to the Community Table in Alliance.
The ride started in Alliance with stops in Hay Springs, Chadron, and Crawford, then ended right where they had started. After the ride, participants got to sit down and enjoy a meal with a prize to take home. Josh Olsen had the best poker hand and won $250.
“It’s always a good time. It means a lot to me. I got to ride alongside my dad, which I had always wanted to do since I was a kid, and now I’m doing it as an adult. It’s for a good cause as well. I just happened to draw all the right cards. I got lucky. It felt great to win. It was the first time I’ve won a poker run,” said Olsen.
Amber Jacobs had the worst poker hand and won $150.
“It was a great experience for me, being the first time I’ve ever been on a poker run. I hope to do more in the future. I called it all morning that I would get the worst hand. ’Nothing was showing up for me.’ I wasn’t even paying attention when my name was called. My mom and friend sitting next to me said, ‘Amber, they called your name.’ I was shocked but happy simultaneously,” said Jacobs.
Danny Kinser of Alliance won the 50/50 raffle, a total of $386. Kinser chose to donate his half back to help support the Veterans. The winner of the longest distance rider was David Schwindt, who traveled 497 miles from Jackson, Wyo.