Support for a local rehabilitation program was in the cards Sunday when bikers hit the highway for a poker run to benefit Hope Valley Inc.

The event aiding the agency providing treatment services for alcoholism and drug addiction was sponsored by Mount Airy Elks Lodge as part of an ongoing series of fundraising motorcycle rides to support community agencies, which began in the early 1990s.

“It’s just an agency that needs a little help like lots of others,” said Terry Scott, a 30-year Elks Lodge member and veteran biker who helped organize Sunday’s benefit. “This is actually the first time we’ve done it in the fall.” The event also marked the initial occasion that the Elks have targeted Hope Valley for assistance.

The agency opened in 1968 to assist those suffering from alcoholism and has a women’s center in Pilot Mountain in addition to a men’s facility at Dobson.

“We’re probably the cheapest rehabilitation center in the country, or one of them anyway,” said Ritchie Puckett, health-care technician for Hope Valley. Puckett said much of the money it operates on comes from former clients and fundraisers.

“So we’re pretty fortunate to have something like that,” he added Sunday of the poker run sponsored by the Elks Lodge.

And the important work of the program they were riding to support was definitely on the minds of the motorcyclists participating.

“I believe everybody deserves a second chance,” Dwight Marshall of Pilot Mountain said of his reasons for supporting the Hope Valley cause and the lives it helps rebuild.

Lee Inman of Flat Rock, another rider, pointed out that those suffering from alcoholism or substance abuse come from all segments of the community and have a dire need for the treatment services provided. “I’ve always believed that everybody can get down and need a little help to get back going, and this is a good thing.

“Most all of them would give the shirt off their back,” Inman added. “I think it’s a benefit all the way around.”

About 25 bikers had gathered by mid-morning at the Elks Lodge off U.S. 52 in preparation for a 60-mile loop across the Surry County countryside, which included Westfield, Pilot Mountain, Fairview and Pine Ridge as the riders returned to the lodge.

They each paid $10 per hand of poker, with one card being dealt at various stops along the way. Police and sheriff’s office members provided assistance during the ride that benefited from Sunday’s balmy weather.

Scott also said a 50-50 drawing was held as part of the event that included door prizes as well. The final sum raised for Hope Valley was unavailable Sunday.

Previous Elks Club poker runs in the spring have aided other community organizations such as Hospice, the United Fund and the American Red Cross.

Marshall said that along with the good feeling coming from helping a worthy organization such as Hope Valley, Sunday’s event offered a bonus to participants.

“It’s always good to be with friends,” he said of fellow riders.

Contact Tom Joyce at tjoyce@mtairynews.com or at 719-1924.