Motorcycle Poker Run on Sept. 21 to Benefit Harmony House

SOUTHAMPTON — Harmony House of Western Massachusetts will be the beneficiary of the third annual Poker Run scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21 and hosted by the Pioneer Valley Harley Owners Group (HOG). The event will begin at Harley-Davidson of Southampton, and riders will travel through Holyoke, Granby, Belchertown, and South Hadley, ending at the American Legion Post 275 at 41 Robbins Road in Chicopee.

Participants can pre-register by calling Denis Martel at (413) 530-1490. The cost is $20 per rider and $15 per passenger or non-rider. Registration is also available on the day of the event for $25 per rider and $20 per passenger or non-rider. Those who don’t ride are also invited to attend the after-party at the American Legion with a donation of $20 at the door. This event will be held rain or shine.

The after-party will include lunch, live music by Night Watch, and a chance to win one of dozens of prizes. Raffle prizes include a $500 lottery tree, a lottery/liquor basket, a dine-out gift-card tree, a trip for four to J.R. Cigar in New Jersey, a homemade Harley Davidson quilt, and plenty of gift baskets. There will be a separate raffle available for a huge ‘barrel of booze.’

All proceeds from this event will be donated to Harmony House of Western Massachusetts, a home for the terminally ill located in Chicopee. Last year’s event raised well over $16,000.

“The support and generosity of the HOG group is overwhelming,” said Harmony House founder Ruth Willemain. “We have been blessed many times over to have this connection with them. This money helps us to continue our mission of providing a loving home for the terminally ill.”

Added Denis Martel, president of HOG, “someday a friend or loved one may need Harmony House … but right now they need you.”

Harmony House currently occupies a small house in Chicopee, which was offered by a local family for use while the organization is in the process of renovating a much larger home in the Aldenville section of the city. Staffed mainly by volunteers of all kinds — nurses, CNAs, caregivers, companions, and more — Harmony House is totally privately funded through the generosity of individuals, businesses, and foundations.

Contributions are gratefully accepted at all times. Visit the website at www.harmonyhousewma.org or send a check to Harmony House of Western Massachusetts, P.O. Box 6135, Holyoke, MA 01041. Harmony House is a 501(c)(3) corporation. If interested in learning more or becoming a volunteer, call (413) 331-5252 or e-mail harmonyhousewma@gmail.com.