Days of ’56 to Host 'Poker Run for Pink'

Days of ’56 Ponca Rodeo Association is sponsoring a poker run, Saturday, May 22 with proceeds to benefit the June E. Nylen Cancer Center.“We know a lot of people that enjoy riding and poker runs who have loved ones touched by this disease. The volunteers just lined up and offered their time and resources for this event,” said organizers and Harley riders Jim Kastning and Phil Rohan.Those purchasing a $10 ticket will begin the poker run at the Ponca Rodeo Arena in Ponca, Neb., at 10:30 a.m. and hit TRI County Bar, Emerson; White Dog Pub, Wayne; Lonnie’s Bar & Grill, Coleridge; Wiebelhaus Recreation, Crofton; Blue Devil Bar, Wynot; Lyle’s Bar, Newcastle; and then head back to Ponca with the last stop at McArdle’s Bar. Participants will turn in their hand and enjoy food, prizes, a 50/50 drawing and the “best pink” attire contest.“We wanted a fun, unique way to get another kind of ‘horse power’ behind this very worthwhile cause and help promote the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Event coming in June,” said Liz Heimes, event organizer and Days of ’56 Ponca Rodeo Association member.Wrangler a sponsor of pro rodeo started the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” campaign as a way to involve the sport of rodeo by supporting breast cancer awareness and giving back to local communities. The contestants wear pink and the audience is encouraged to as well. Each local rodeo is able to choose their charity. Last year over 1 million dollars was raised nationally by Wrangler’s promotion of this campaign and over a thousand dollars was raised last year at the Ponca rodeo.“The Cancer Center appreciates the Days of ’56 Ponca Rodeo Association for supporting the cancer center and giving back to help our patients,” said Pat Hubbard, director of fund development. “We hope lots of people turn out for the Poker Run for Pink event.”The proceeds from the first annual “Poker Run for Pink” will be directed to various areas at the Cancer Center such as helping cancer patients with financial assistance, prescription assistance, housing, food, clothing and other items they need with a cancer diagnosis.For more information contact event organizers: Liz Heimes 402-841-0886 or Phil Rohan 402-533-3130 or the Cancer Center 712-252-9352.