By Ron Cox

More than 110 riders and passengers met at American Legion Post #103 to participate in the 4th Annual “Freedom Isn’t Free” Poker Run on May 12th. The run was sponsored by and benefits The Military Heritage Museum located in Fisherman’s Village, Punta Gorda, Florida.

After registration the riders headed over to Port Charlotte for breakfast hosted by VFW Post #5690. The Post supported the Museum by picking up the tab for all the rider’s breakfasts. Moving on to American Legion Post #110 also in Port Charlotte, then on to AmVets Post #312 in North Port as was American Legion Post #254. The last card stop was the Military Heritage Museum where the riders could look over some of the 30,000 items on display. The riders ended up back at American Legion Post #103.

Waiting for the riders was a cash food/beverage bar, vendors, entertainment outside by the Armadillo band and inside by a professional DJ. Highlighting the entertainment was the award winning Calendar Girls. The Calendar Girls are a dance troupe of women 50 years old or more, who perform all over Southwest Florida. The Calendar Girls raise money to pay for the acquisition and training of Labrador retrievers who are then given free of charge to Veterans who have lost their eyesight in combat or some other catastrophic injury.

Bob Brownson won the Best Hand prize with a full house of eights over kings. Joe Criscuolo won second best hand, also with a full house of eights over sixes. David Rockow won the $84 50/50 prize. About a dozen door prizes were also distributed.
Museum Executive Director Kim Lovejoy was more than pleased with the turnout of riders and the $1,450 the ride netted for the Museum.