Mokena Lions Give Bikers a Better Name

The rainfalls that hit on Saturday, Sept. 18 didn't prevent 35 vehicles from participating in the Mokena Lions Club Fourth Annual Poker Run. The money raised at this event benefited the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, and for the first time, the Blind Children's Foundation of Illinois, Inc. 

Participants met at 191 South in Mokena, beginning at 9 a.m., and the first vehicles took off at 11 a.m. Stops along the 130-mile drive included Corner Stone in Darien, VFW in New Lenox, Rustic Inn in Wilmington, Big Randy's in Kankakee, Manteno Sportsmen's Club in Manteno, Country Place in Peotone and 191 South, where the run came to end. At each stop, participants drew a playing card, so by the end, they each had a full poker hand.

Bob Lettig from Tinley Park had the winning hand this year, which was a Full House. He won a Garmin GPS from Harley Davidson, along with a mounting bracket. Scott Youdris, the Lions Club chairman for the event, said that Lettig was absolutely thrilled.

Other giveaways included a 50/50 raffle that totaled $70, a quilt handmade by Youdris's mother, a football signed by Bears player Johnny Knox, shirts, gift cards for local restaurants and more.

Participants could prepare for the run beforehand by enjoying drinks and a breakfast buffet, and afterward, a dinner buffet was provided for all participants. Midlife Crisis performed during this time, donating their time to the cause, Youdris said.

Roger O'Lena, a resident of Tinley Park, said he has participated in about 30 poker runs on his motorcycle, and he has won first, second and third place prizes.

"I like to go on charity runs because it gives bikers a better name," O'Lena said.

Keith and Lori Spayth live in Orland Park and decided to participate in the Poker Run in their car. The Lions Club opened up the run to cars last year in addition to motorcycles.

"It's something different to do on what we thought would be a nice day," Lori Spayth said, laughing and pointing toward the gloomy sky.

Youdris said the Poker Run is just one more way for the Lions Club to follow its mission. Last year, when the weather was decent, Youdris said they had 136 participants.

Lee Kaz, the Mokena Lions Club President, said the main focus of the Lions Club is to help the vision- and hearing-impaired. They hold numerous other events throughout the year, including their most renowned fundraiser, the Firecracker Dance.

"It's a fundraiser that allows you to get out, talk with fun people and meet people from other communities, and you're helping out charities," Kaz said of the Poker Run.

Youdris could not be reached to say how much money had been raised at this event.

For more information on the Mokena Lions Club, visit http://mokenalions.org/.