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Copyright © 2006 Pantagraph Publishing Co.

HEADLINE:
Poker run to benefit cancer victim

Body:
When Dwight "Robby" Robinson was diagnosed with colon cancer in late 2005, friends began planning a benefit to help with treatment costs. But they wanted to do something more than just the standard auction and bands.

What they came up with is the "Ride for Robby," scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Saturday at Pit Row Bar and Grill, 208 S. Vine.

The central part of the benefit is a "poker run" in which participants ride motorcycles to a designated location and pick a poker card, then ride to the next location to pick another.

After riders have completed their poker hand, they return to the starting point. The best hand wins cash or prizes.

"With Robby being an avid biker, we thought the poker run would be a great way to add a little fun to the typical benefit," said Tina McDaniel, who leads the group organizing the benefit.

Riders will sign in at Pit Row, with the first bike set to head out at 10 a.m. The poker run will travel to Mustang Sally’s in LeRoy, the Diamond Tap in Farmer City, Trimmer’s in Clinton, the Irish Circle in Wapella, then back to Pit Row.

The last riders should be back in Heyworth by 3 p.m. McDaniel said a motorcycle is not necessary to participate.

The remainder of the day will more closely resemble a traditional benefit. Pork chop sandwiches will be served, with an auction, raffles, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and a DJ playing music throughout the day.

The "All You Can Eat" band will play at 6 p.m. Admission is $15 and includes entry into the poker run, a pork chop sandwich meal, and a ticket for door prizes. For just the poker run, the cost is $10.

In addition, one of Robinson’s prize possessions will be given away. Organizers already have sold all 150 tickets for his 1998 Harley-Davidson Heritage Springer Anniversary Edition motorcycle.

Harley enthusiasts still can buy raffle tickets to win one of about 40 T-shirts from Harley dealerships across the country. Other auction items include Harley-Davidson and NASCAR memorabilia.

Robinson, a truck driver for Hicksgas in Bloomington, has been unable to work since his diagnosis, subsequent surgery and treatments. McDaniel said organizers just wanted to help a friend in need.

"He’s been off work and his insurance was going to run out," said McDaniel. "We wanted to do something to help offset his expenses."

How you can help

What: Ride for Robby, a poker run, food, auction, raffles, door prizes, drawing, music to raise money for Dwight "Robby" Robinson, who has colon cancer.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Pit Row Bar and Grill, 208 S. Vine, Heyworth

Cost: $15 for poker run, meal and ticket for door prizes; $10, poker run only.

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