|
Monday, 11 May 2009 |
 Staff photo/Katie Yantis: Participants in a poker run Saturday for SIDS prepare to leave the parking lot at the C and C Loft and Lounge in St. Marys. The run raised $2,345 for SIDS research. By KATIE YANTIS
Staff Writer
ST. MARY — Family and friends gathered at the C and C Loft and Lounge Saturday to support a Wapakoneta family in raising money for Sudden Infant Death (SIDS) research.
The poker run, held for the past 16 years in memory of Jordan Leigh Fisher, raises money to contribute to finding a cause and prevention for SIDS. Wapakoneta resident Karen Steinke established the run after her daughter Linda Zizelman lost her daughter Jordan to SIDS.
Steinke said it formed after an update run for the U.S. Patriots Bike Club became the SIDS run and continued being its annual update run.
“After they did it, I took over and did it by myself, then my daughter started helping,” Steinke said.
The poker run is the Saturday before Mother’s Day because that was when the update run for the Patriots was scheduled.
“It’s always been this day,” Steinke said.
She also said having the run on the weekend of Mother’s Day seems to partially help Zizelman.
“I started doing this because it helped,” Steinke said. “I am just glad these guys turn out every year.”
The group was compiled of friends, family, first-time riders and even those who are SIDS survivors. Sidney resident David Sharp and Botkins resident Travis Miller said they came out to the poker run to support the family.
“It’s a good cause and I know the guys putting it on,” Sharp said. “I am helping some friends.”
Zizelman spoke on the run and holding it for the past 16 years.
“We will keep doing it until we find a cure or until I die,” Zizelman said.
As she watched riders pull up, Zizelman held back tears as she showed her appreciation of the participants.
“I am thankful for the support,” Zizelman said. “It makes me emotional.”
Zizelman’s husband Will said the route the participants rode was 68 miles long, having stops at the Rustic, Finish Line in Botkins, Coyotes in Waynesfield and Alpha in Wapakoneta. The riders then returned to the C and C Loft and Lounge.
“This is a tradition for a lot of people,” Will Zizelman said. “I can think of at least six guys that have been to all the 12 years that I have been involved.”
He also mentioned that 100 percent of the funds raised goes back to SIDS research.
The cloudy skies and cool breeze didn’t stop the participants from going on with the run as they filed out of the Chestnut street parking lot.
Upon their return, a special rider plaque was given and the auction wrapped up the event. The two participants who won the special rider award were Kayla Zizelman and Bill Cotterman.
Overall, the run raised $2,345 to contribute to the research.
Zizelman made a few remarks about the overall event.
“Any dollar amount raised is good enough as long as we continue to support research,” Zizelman said. “I would have been happy with a $1 as long as it helps research.” |
|
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 19 May 2009 )
|
