BROOKINGS – The 14th annual 727th/DAV Charity Poker Run raised at least another $39,000 for the DAV Hospital Transportation Network on Saturday.
Above and below, participants gather at the National Guard Armory on Fifth Street South in Brookings before the poker run. Below, the riders travel north on Main Avenue through downtown Brookings at noon.
Master Sgt. Eric Kinslow said there were 671 registered participants in this year’s poker run, and the check given to the DAV Hospital Transportation Network in October is always higher than what’s tabulated on Labor Day weekend as more donations come in. Over the past 13 years, the event has raised $183,000 for the network, not including funds from this year’s run. This year’s ride had slightly fewer riders than 2017, but it has already raised more money per rider and will likely surpass 2017’s total DAV donation of $40,000.
The 150-mile run left Brookings at noon Saturday and took riders to Flandreau, Madison, Arlington, Estelline and back to Brookings in about five hours. All stops were at locations related to veterans, such as VFW and Legion halls, which can raise money for their programs through food sales. Food and door prizes were also part of the fundraiser back in Brookings.
