Motorcycle enthusiasts plan event to help area veterans

The eighth annual Bikers Helping Veterans event will be held Sunday.

Area bikers Jerry Simpkins and Tom McGowan pioneered the affair eight years ago. McGowan has a soft spot for veterans, having served in Vietnam.

"Bikers are always looking for something charitable to do," Simpkins said. He said his wife Maureen and McGowan's girlfriend, Chari Parsons, helped organize the event.

The motorcycle enthusiasts came up with the idea of having a poker run to help raise funds to benefit the residents of the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, and the run continues. The poker run will begin at 9 a.m. May 4 at L&D Patio in McClure, Ill., and ends at 12:30 p.m. at the Veterans Home, 2400 Memorial Drive in Cape Girardeau.

There is a $15 donation per person for the run and an events-only donation of $5 per person.

All money taken in that day goes directly into an account, "The Bikers Fund," for the use of those living at the home. Anyone can donate to this fund, which is tax deductible. All money collected from the poker run goes for the good of the veterans home residents.

"It is used for whatever they need," Simpkins said, "from a new pair of shoes to a radio or television set, or even something as simple as a roll of stamps."

As part of the event, the Christian Motorcycle Association blesses anywhere from 300 to 500 bikes. An average of 200 bikes usually participate in the poker run each season.

The event also includes an auction. Everything that is auctioned by Jones Auction Service is donated, including the services of the auctioneer.

For more information, call 573-264-1125 or 573-545-4591.