The 3rd Annual Hope For The Warriors™ Poker Run
sponsored by Southeastern Steel Choppers
Jacksonville, NC

"The Hope Rider" presented by Andy Phillips & Shannon Davidson

Over 300 run participants watched as Andy Phillips unveiled Shannon Davidson's creation of "The Hope Rider" theme bike. Along with devoted individuals and corporations, Davidson, a well known bike builder from the Chopp Shopp in Taylorsville, NC built the "Hope Rider" to present to Hope For The Warriors™. It is an amazing piece of art depicting the courage and valor of the US service member. The tribute bike is to be used in an effort to inspire and raise money and support for our community of wounded heroes through Hope For The Warriors™.

While certainly the highlight of the afternoon, the presentation of the "The Hope Rider" was complimented by the day itself. Beautiful weather attracted over 300 riders for this 129 mile course around Onslow County, NC, making this event one of the biggest Poker Runs in Eastern North Carolina. The 3rd Annual Hope For The Warriors™ Poker Run, held on Saturday, October 4, began and ended at Southeastern Steel Choppers and included stops at New River Harley Davidson, Furniture Fair, New Bern Harley Davidson, Pizza Hut and the Elks Lodge. The bikes went out in waves beginning at 10am with the last bike in at 4pm. Vendors, food and great music set the stage for the after party.

The riders included active duty military, retired veterans and compassionate individuals whose ultimate goal for the event was to lend their support to a community of wounded heroes. Participating motorcycle groups included the Patriot Guard Riders, the Lightkeepers of the CMA, Leathernecks, Marine Riders, Carolina Thunder, and individual bikers from around the state.

The closing ceremony rallied with a raffle long enough to make you want to sit and drink a beer while the prize list went on and on. The "best and worst" hand plaques were awarded as well an appreciation plaque to the Patriot Guard and the Marine Riders for their continued service to the Hope For The Warriors™ mission.

Event Coordinators, Amy Koury and Brenda Faulhaber along with the many volunteers deserve a round of applause for an incredibly successful event.

We would also like to offer a special thanks to this year's poker run sponsors: Southeastern Steel Choppers, The Carolinas Full Throttle Magazine, The Globe, Rotoview, The Marine Riders Group, The Patriot Guard, New Bern Harley Davidson, New River Harley Davidson, Rock 105.5, WRNS, T.A.G.(Tactical Applications Group), Britt Motorsports, East Carolina Pizza Huts, Furniture Fair and the Elks Lodge.