ABATE to hold Poker Run fund-raiser
Holly Gowton wanted to do something to help her sister-in-law, Rayna Gowton, who is battling cervical cancer. Holly knew just what to do. At noon Saturday, the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E.) will sponsor the “Ride for Rayna” poker run, beginning at the Long Branch Saloon in Oliver Plaza, North Union Township, and ending at the Bridgeport Sportsmen’s Club near Mount Pleasant.
The ride will include stops at Piazon’s Place on Route 51, Bier Haus in Ruffsdale, and Gallagher’s Pub in Mount Pleasant. Registration starts at 11 a.m. at the Long Branch Saloon. “I went to the other chapter members and asked for their help,” said Holly Gowton, A.B.A.T.E.’s chapter representative for Fayette County.
A.B.A.T.E., a legislative organization with an office in Harrisburg, hosts many fund-raisers and charitable events each year. A.B.A.T.E. is participating in a blanket drive for the Salvation Army and will host a biker safety awareness seminar later this month at the Uniontown Mall, but Saturday, the organization will work for Rayna Gowton.
Gowton, a Bullskin Township resident, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in October 2000. She has undergone various operations as well as radiation treatments and chemotherapy. The treatments and the illness have made it tough for the mother of three to perform daily activities, but the community has responded with help and donations.
Holly Gowton hopes the “Ride for Rayna” will help even more. According to Holly, all the funds raised Saturday will go directly to Rayna and her husband, Randy, to help pay for everyday expenses like groceries and household bills.
The cost to participate in the “Ride for Rayna” is $5, and car drivers are welcome. Holly Gowton is expecting a big turnout.
“We set our goal at 400 bikes. We want as many bikes as we can get, so we can raise as much money as possible,” she said.
According to Gowton, anyone also can contribute by donating food or soft drinks to the Bridgeport Sportsmen’s Club before 4 p.m. Once the riders arrive at the club, food and drinks will be available and entertainment will be provided by TNT Disc Jockey Services, free of charge.
The party at the sportsmen’s club will run until midnight and is open to the public for a $5 cover charge, with all proceeds going to the Rayna Gowton family.