Lynn Shiver, who runs Valley Grove General Store, has been a friend to bikers and bike events for a long time. She's always supported bike events any way she could; she's always glad for folks to leave flyers at her store, and she tries to make sure everyone who comes in is aware of these events. She's also donated prizes for poker runs, and has shown her support in many other ways as well.
Now Lynn and her husband Keith need our help. Keith has been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. For the last months, Keith has been unable to work due to this illness, and Lynn has been staying at home, helping Keith, as well as taking care of their young son, Luke. They've racked up some large medical bills, because Keith's insurance was through his work, and it took a while to get on COBRA.
Lynn's dad, Mr. Johnny, has stepped up and taken over running the store, with all proceeds still going to Lynn and Keith.
Our group decided to organize a poker run to help with medical bills. We decided to have it on June 21. We invited local businesses to give items for door prizes, and many stepped forward. Flyers were also sent to all local riding groups, and notices were posted in stores and handed out - we wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to come help out.
Saturday started out with rain clouds on the horizon. As we put on our raingear to make the ride from Luverne to Opp, we prayed that local riders would come out for the ride, even if we did get some much-needed rain. Those prayers were answered – just enough rain fell to cool things off and pull some of the humidity out of the air, and about fifty bikers showed up at the store, most by 8:15. Besides Riders for Jesus, who organized the event, two other large groups were represented - the Covington Christian Riders from Andalusia and Crenshaw County Riders, based in Luverne. Of course, we also had many independent riders as well.
As riders arrived, they parked and greeted old friends. Registration tables were set up on the porch, where door prizes were also on display. Maps of the ride were handed out, and flyers for our Fall Ride were also given to those who were interested. After getting their forms in order for the ride, some of the bikers wandered through the parking lot, checking out all the gorgeous bikes of all kinds, as well as all the leather, chrome and other accessories. Others browsed through the store, checking out the new stuff Lynn's dad has stocked.
Donnie, Linda and Beth were going to deal the cards, so they took off a few minutes early to get set up at the first stop. The group left out about 9:15, and headed to the Marathon Station on Highway 52 for the first card draw. After a rest the group was off to the next stop, which was at Fuller's Grocery in Darlington. Anyone who hasn't visited this store really needs to see it- it sits in a curve of the road on Highway 2 West, and has most anything a person would need - the aisles were full of all kinds of things.
We were then off to Samson, where we stopped in the parking lot of Covington Electric; word was spread that there's a great seafood place nearby, so plans were made to come back for a meal. Then we were off to the Inland Station in Elba, taking a break from the heat. Finally we headed back to Valley Grove for final deal.
After everyone got back to the store, our hands were turned into Donnie, and our ‘card crew’ looked over all the entries. Then winners were announced. Lynda Turner of Luverne had the best hand, with her brother, Ronnie Turner having the second highest hand - Steve Wyatt won for the worst hand.
Besides the poker hands that everyone played, we also had a 50/50 drawing; that prize was $57.50 in cash, and was turned back in to add to the donations; then we drew for door prizes. Some of the door prizes were t-shirts, caps and keychains, tools, meal certificates, and oil change certificates. Everyone who had purchased tickets for the 50/50 drawing were eligible - ironically enough, a lady riding a Harley won a Ward’s Yamaha t-shirt and cap!
We’d like to thank the following folks for making donations for our ride. They made a huge difference in the success of the day! Ward’s Yamaha donated t-shirts, embroidered caps and keychains; Ruby Tuesday’s and The Santa Fe Cattle Company of Troy each donated a $30 gift certificate; Pennzoil in Troy donated a free service/oil change; O’Reilly’s Auto Parts in Troy donated two different tool sets; and Mr. Johnny Hollinghead (Lynn’s dad) donated a $100.00 gift certificate to the store.
Besides those who made it to the run, donations were also made by American Legion Riders from Montgomery, who rode down mid-morning to see Lynn and buy some great bags. Wheels of Faith of Alabama also made donations. All in all, over $1600 was given to Lynn and Keith.
 |
 |
 |
Registration starts... |
the parking lot starts to fill up |
|
 |
 |
 |
Chillin' before the ride |
||
 |
 |
 |
more bikes coming in |
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
leaving out for the run |
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Lynn, Keith and Luke |
American Legion Riders from Montgomery |
|
 |
 |
 |
waiting for the winners |
||
 |
 |
 |
Lynda Turner, 1st place |
Ronnie Turner, 2nd place |
the whole group (almost) |
