Poker run to raise money for local veterans groups

Members of the Rolling Thunder group want to help veterans who return from war and honor those who didn't.

The volunteer group will have its annual "Big Thunder Run" motorcycle ride fundraiser Sunday, starting and ending at the Batavia VFW, 645 S. River St.

"It's not political," said Howard "Weebles" Bushnell, president of the group's Illinois Chapter 1, which has members in Kane and DuPage counties. "The main thing is that we just don't want soldiers forgotten that have sacrificed so much for us."

Organizers expect about 1,000 motorcyclists to ride the 100-mile poker run through DeKalb, Kendall and Kane counties. Riders pick up cards at each stop and the best hand at the end will win a cash prize.

At the VFW, there will be music, food, raffles and vendors from roughly 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Riders showing up the day of the event should come before 11 a.m. and bring a $10 suggested donation.

Last year, the event raised $5,000. Proceeds will go to veterans groups such as the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton, Operation Support Our Troops and the Hines VA Hospital.

The group will host several members from the hospital at the event.

Similar rides use motorcycles because it catches more attention than a caravan of cars, but cars are welcome for the ride, Bushnell said. He hopes the event will bring more awareness to veterans' issues.

More information on the ride can be found at the group's Web site, www.rollingthunderil1.com.