There will be a poker run benefitting McKenzie native D.J. Cartwright on Sat., March 24.

Cartwright was a truck driver for almost a decade for Buddy Moore until he was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy in one eye, and glaucoma in the other eye.

After finding this out, his life has changed drastically. He had a shunt put in his left eye, and lost his license taken away. Without his license he is no longer able to drive or work.

“We are putting this fundraiser together to help a buddy out,” Wade Beasley, organizer of the fundraiser, said. “We want to be able to give him some money until he is able to get disability.”

A poker run is an organized event in which participants, usually using motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, cars or trucks, must visit five to seven checkpoints, drawing a playing card at each one. The object is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run.

“We will have three checkpoints at our poker run so we may have to draw two cards at each stop,” Beasley said. “We will be start at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Red Level, go to Jaslisco Mexican restaurant in Evergreen, then head to Choomolly’s bar in Georgiana and head back to the VFW in Red Level.”

The Evergreen Police Department and the Georgiana Police Department have already been notified and will escort the riders to each location.

Beasley said to ride will cost $20 and the person with the best hand at the end of the ride will win a certain amount of the pot.

“Most people donate the money back,” Beasley said. “They aren’t here for the money, they’re here for the cause.”

Activities that day also include a raffle and an auction. They will be raffling off a .22 rifle. Beasley said that they already have a yeti cooler and several cakes that will be auctioned off after the ride.

“We will take as many donations as possible,” Beasley said. “All donations are greatly appreciated.”

After the ride, there will be a $5 sack lunch available at the VFW. It will contain a hamburger or hot dog and chips.

Beasley encourages any body that has a motorcycle to come and ride, as well as people in cars and trucks.

“Show up at 10:30 and we will be lined up ready to go,” Beasley said.