NRMC Foundation accepting poker run registrations

The Nevada Regional Medical Center Foundation decided by a unanimous vote in a monthly board meeting in February to purchase a four-wheel drive vehicle for the NRMC Home Health and Hospice program. After winter storms, the Foundation recognized a need for the hospital to have access to its own four-wheel drive vehicles. The Foundation will use proceeds from annual fundraising events such as the Caring with Pride Golf Classic held in May and the upcoming Highway to Health poker run to purchase a total of two four-wheel drive vehicles for NRMC in-home services.

The Highway to Health will be Saturday, Sept.10, with a rain date saved for the following Saturday. Pre-registration is encouraged for the fundraiser.

Those interested, may register on the NRMC Web site, www.nrmchealth.com, or by calling the Foundation office at (417) 448-3609.

Pre-registrants must purchase their first hand for $25. Additional hands may be purchased at the event for $25 each. Registrants can avoid the $10 registration fee by signing up by Sept. 5. Participants also can order a discounted event T-shirt when registering to ensure their size is available. A limited number of shirts will be available at the event for $20.

"We're finding a lot of interest in the poker run. You wouldn't realize how many people ride motorcycles until you start asking around! We are expecting a great turnout, some people coming from several states away." Aimee Meyer, Foundation director said.

All vehicles will be welcome to participate. Registration and continental breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Moore-Few Care Center community room, south entrance of 901 S. Adams, Nevada. The poker run committee has planned a route of about 100 miles -- from Nevada, to El Dorado Springs, Montevallo, Sheldon and back to Nevada. The riders will stop at five locations along the route to draw cards to complete their five-card poker hands. As participants return, the Foundation will host a lunch and will announce the cash prizes for the best three hands and the worst hand.

The Nevada Impact Tourism board granted the NRMC Foundation funds to assist with the promotion of this new event. The terms of the grant were for an organization to bring visitors in from outside the Nevada area. Therefore promotion of the Highway to Health will be regional; reaching an over 100-mile radius around Vernon County.

"With the reach of this event, we hope to benefit our Foundation and therefore our patients. We also hope to bring business to our community. The out of town riders are expected to stay in motels the night before. We hope they'll patronize some Nevada businesses while they are here and will come back at least annually for the run," Meyer said.

The foundation still needs sponsors and stop locations for the event. Stop sponsors will enjoy the foot traffic of all riders in the run at their business on the day of the event. For more information call the Foundation office at (417) 448-3609.