DEXTER STURGIS MEMORIAL POKER RUN
Written by Mary Lou Sturgis
Reprinted from PA Chapter “A” Newsletter
The long awaited Poker Run to honor Dexter Sturgis, former Eastern PA Retread Representa-tive, was held on Saturday, August 13 (this had to be the hottest day of the summer) at the East Petersburg Community Park. The event was sponsored by the Sturgis Family and the Eastern PA Retreads with the proceeds going to the Four Diamonds Cancer Fund for Children. Motor-cyclists and some on four wheels came to participate in this poker run that was one of the first poker runs set up by Dexter and his wife, Mary Lou, when they first became the Eastern PA Retread reps. This was a very scenic ride through Lancaster County and through many of the covered bridges in the area. After completing the 2-hour ride the participants returned to the community park where the Sturgis family provided lunch. Special coffee mugs bearing a picture of Dexter and Mary Lou on their trike motorcycle and inscribed for the run were awarded to the poker run winners. First place winners were Cynthia Bomgardner and Clyde Yohn. Second place went to Art Grantz and Gretchen Leinbach. Third place went to Barry Hemperly and Ellen Outten. Ralph Heagy made a beautiful wooden covered bridge and raffle tickets were sold on this prized possession and the winner was Joyce Moyer. Steve Hoch and Geanne Yohn won the 50/50 raffle. Our many thanks to Geanne for donating back to the Four Diamonds her share of the 50/50 winnings. The total proceeds for this event were overwhelming – TOTAL $1,100.00. The Eastern PA Retreads to date have donated $9,495.00 to the Four Diamonds Cancer Fund for Children – motorcyclists do have big hearts and are active in the community. A big thank you to the Road Voyagers for their generous donation to this event and also to the American Gold Wing Association for their participation, Ralph & Joyce Moyer, Jay & Betty Eidemiller. The Sturgis family: Mary Lou Sturgis (wife of Dexter Sturgis), Sharon (daughter) & Jon Whittle, Pam (granddaughter) & Andy Malene, Linette (daughter) & Michael Crockford, and Christopher (grandson) send a big heartfelt thank you to all who made this event such a success. Paul & Mary Lou Weaver, the Eastern PA Retread Reps, also extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone.