By Becky Maxedon

Content sponsored by Anderson Auto and Powersports

The fifth Desert First Responder Poker Run begins Saturday at 10 a.m., at Coldwell Banker Realty, 450 Lake Havasu Ave.

“Previously we had all funds go to the Desert Hills Firefighter Association, helped them to get an off-road vehicle to transport out of the desert,” Vice President and Fundraising Chair of Havasu Side X Side Georgeann Hoover said.

She said Anderson joined the organization in fourth year as a major sponsor and they added the Mohave County Deputies Association, and the two will split all proceeds of the event.

Hoover said both organizations always need additional funding to add to their ability to respond to Desert casualties and situations that arise in the desert.

This year, Hoover said, “We decided to have the first four stops be at some of our long time business members, starting with me at Coldwell Banker Realty, Anything Off-Road, Just Money Motorsports, Anderson Toyota (for Anderson Powersports and Auto Group) and finishing at the Bunker Bar.

“All of these stops have been-long time members and heavily support our organization. Lacey and Matt at the Bunker added the ‘Flag Burning Retirement Ceremony’ as it ties in with Veteran’s Day. Havasu Side x Side Trail Association, Anderson Powersports and the Bunker Bar are all part of our Annual Rick Seale’s Vet Ride which takes place in February of each year, honoring local vets for their service.”

RiverScene file photo Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

Tickets for the Desert First Responder Poker Run are $75 per entry, which includes a hot dog, chips and soda lunch at the Bunker Bar.

To purchase tickets, click HERE:

With main entry, other Poker Hands can be purchased for an additional $10 and will add on another lunch. Anderson is sponsoring the lunch so all proceeds will go directly to the two organizations.

Best Hand prize is $500.

“We will have some nice raffle prizes and a 50/50 drawing at the Bunker Bar. Volunteers will be at the Bunker Bar to sell those,” Hoover said.

Those interested can preregister on EventBrite and there will also be an opportunity for same-day signups at Coldwell Banker Realty, top lot, 450 Lake Havasu Ave. South, starting at 9 a.m., on Saturday.

All stops in town will close at 11 a.m. The final stop needs to be completed by noon, at the Bunker Bar. A flag ceremony is set for 12:30, and there will be live music. Drawings are at 2:30 p.m.

Havasu Side x Side Trail Association is the only nonprofit, off-road association that does not only the local trail grooming but also is involved in many community programs.

“We love our desert and our community,” Hoover said.