Weekend poker run fundraisers benefit good causes

Staff Reports

A pair of poker runs this weekend benefit two good causes.

Jesse's Journey poker run Saturday

The Jesse's Journey Poker Run fundraiser begins 10 a.m. Saturday at the Genoa Bar, and continues to the Wild Horse Bar in Minden, The French Bar and Full Belly Deli in Gardnerville.

The poker run ends at Jethro's Oven & Grill in the Gardnerville Ranchos for a barbecue and music by Carson Valley band Big Bad Wolf at 7 p.m.

Cost of $20 per hand includes one meal. Sign up the day of the event at Genoa Bar or call 690-3235 for tickets.

The event benefits Douglas High School sophomore Jesse Buchanan who was diagnosed with epilepsy and will have brain surgery this fall. Doctors say the operation should make Jesse's epilepsy manageable or possibly keep his seizures from occurring at all.

His family's health insurance covers a portion of the procedure, but not all of it. To help the family with expenses, an account for Jesse Buchanan is set up under his name at Bank of America: 501007299274.

Austin's House poker run Sunday

Drive any kind of vehicle in the fourth annual Austin's House Poker Run on Sunday. Registration is 9-10 a.m. at Century 21 Clark Properties, 1674 Highway 395, Minden.

The poker run starts at Century 21 and continues to the Genoa Bar, Jethro's in the Gardnerville Ranchos, Wolf Creek Inn in Markleeville, Iggy and Squiggy's at Holbrook Junction and concludes with a barbecue and live music by Dean Brownell in Heritage Park in Gardnerville.

The 81-mile poker run lasts about two hours. Cost of $25 includes commemorative ride pin, bandana, raffle ticket and barbecue picnic and music in Heritage Park. The cost of second rider is $15. There will be prizes for raffles and the best poker hand.

Advance tickets available at Century 21 Clark Properties, or call Tina or Danny at 782-7111.

The poker run benefits the Austin's House children's shelter of Northern Nevada. Children are placed at Austin's House after being removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, and have no other place to go. Austin's House provides the basic living necessities including proper nutrition, recreation, companionship, education, and life skills training. Austin's House has cared for more than 140 children since 2007.

Make donations to Austin Kirby Foundation, ATTN: Danny Villalobos, Century 21 Clark Properties, 1674 Highway 395, Minden, NV 89423. Information, austinshouse.org