Nearly 200 car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts turned out on Jan. 24 to participate in the seventh annual American Legion Riders Polar Bear Poker Run. Held each year in January, the Polar Bear Poker Run is the main fundraising effort for the Ponca City, Okla., Post 14 Chapter of American Legion Riders. Proceeds from the run, after expenses, are split between local veterans programs and the American Legion Legacy Scholarship fund.

Jerry Wheeler, event coordinator, couldn’t have been happier with this year’s participation. “Last year was our best year and we sold 140 poker hands,” said Wheeler. “This year, we sold 210.

"We want to thank all of the people who took part in the event, and we hope they enjoyed themselves,” Wheeler continued. “But especially we want to thank all of the great people and businesses who supported us through T-shirt sponsorships and door prizes. Without those we couldn’t have pulled it off.”

When asked to sum up his feelings, Wheeler simply stated, “There’s nothing better than hanging out with great people, having a good time, doing what you love in great weather, and raising money for a good cause.”