Roars from dozens of the coolest Harley Davidsons and vintage Corvettes led the charge as the first ever Classic Ride or Drive Charity Poker Run set off last Saturday morning. The Run is the latest in a series of events mounted by Classic Chevrolet at the request of its owner Tom Durant.
Seven years ago, Tom and his wife Susan challenged their employees to raise money in support of local community service agencies like GRACE. Even more, Susan and Tom pledged to match all the funds raised by Classic employees dollar for dollar.
This year, GRACE and twelve other charities, including 6 Stones, the Angel Fund of Trinity High School, Chari-T-2000, Christ’s Haven, the Community Outreach Center, Community Storehouse, Food for the Soul, Mid-Cities Care Corps, Miracle League of Southlake, Neuro Fitness Foundation, RISE Adaptive Sports, and Unite for Troops, will share in the proceeds from Classic events.
GRACE Executive Director Shonda Schaefer and Seasonal Programs Manager Lori Stevens participated in the event, riding in style in the Classic Chevrolet GRACE Gala Camaro, decked out especially for the Gala by 91 Designs.
Saturday’s festivities began with the hospitality of the Texas Harley Team and Adam Smith, who also pledged to match all revenues from the Run. The motorcade made stops at 6 Stones in Euless, the Thompson Group at Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine, and the Rockin’ S Bar and Grill at Twin Coves Marina in Flower Mound, before returning to Texas Harley in Bedford.
Envelopes marked with 52 blank squares were punched at each stop. Once the envelopes were opened the driver’s poker hand was revealed and put in competition with the other drivers’ hands.
“We had a great turn out today!,” said Ride or Drive Director Stephanie Brogan, “Thank you everyone who came out to support our amazing charities!”
Our thanks to Susan and Tom Durant, Classic Chevrolet, Adam Smith and Texas Harley, the Lone Star Corvette Club, and all of the riders and drivers that made the run a great success.
The Classic Chevrolet 5K de Mayo took place in May on the nature trails around Big Bear Creek, and the 7th Annual Steve Thompson Classic Chevrolet Golf Tournament will take place October 4. To-date, the golf tournament, named in memory of Steve Thompson of the Thompson Group at Classic Chevrolet, has raised more than $2.5 million for local charities.
Click here for more information about Classic Chevrolet events.
