The American Legion Riders from the American Legion Dane R. Balcon Post 2008 in Falcon sponsored a ìStock the Pantry Poker Ride,î hosted by Frankieís Too on Sept. 27. Proceeds from the ride went to the High Plains Helping Hands food pantry.Dianna Frazier, volunteer coordinator with HPHH, said the Poker Ride consisted of a 90-mile loop, which started and ended in Falcon. The motorcycle riders followed a specified route, stopping at designated spots along the way. After the ride, participants met at Frankieís Too, and enjoyed good food, fun and a raffle.Anyone who brought in cans of food for HHHP received a discount on their food at Frankieís Too, and Frankieís also had a box set up a week prior to the ride for non-perishable food items. Frankieís Too owners Frank and Kathy Patton also donated gift cards for the raffle.The food drive collected 254 pounds of food, and raised more than $1,200, which covers at least another 6,000 pounds of food, said CJ Baker, vice president of ALR. Baker donated the items he won from the raffle drawing to HPHH as well.Frank Serrano, president of the American Legion Riders, said about 45 riders participated in the event, including riders from other American Legion posts and the Bikers Against Child Abuse group in Colorado Springs. Serrano said the riders try to support local organizations like HHHP. ìWe just ask them what they need and then we make it happen,î he said.Frazier said the event was a hit, and HPHH was grateful to Frankieís Too and the American Legion Riders for the donations.ìThe weather was great and so were the supporters, from those who brought food for the pantry to the pantry staff and the motorcycle riders who put the event all together to benefit those in our community,î Frank Patton said. ìWe were honored to help with this important event and look forward to doing more in the future. Remember, too, the pantry needs even more help throughout the holidays.î
