By Deborah Speicher

This year’s BRA (Bikers Raising Awareness) Poker Run brought us back to Quaker Steak & Lube. Riders started and ended at the Lube, and in between we went to some of our favorite stops. After getting our first card at the Lube, we headed out to Screwie Louie’s Porpoise Pub. Screwie Louie’s was packed since they were a stop for two different poker runs that day. From there we headed over to the beach and Crabby Bill’s. The weather could not have been more perfect for cruising down Gulf Boulevard on our bikes. Our next stops were Sportscasters Bar & Grill, the law firm of Della Costa & Neville and Bay Area Insurance. From there, we were heading back to Quaker Steak & Lube to pull our last card.

Once back at the Lube, it was time for lunch, to buy some 50/50 and Chinese auction tickets, bid on a few more silent auction items, and check out the vendors. The Hamiltones were rocking the house and everyone was having a great time. Just as they began to announce the winners of the poker run, we were offered the opportunity to pay to watch attorney and event sponsor David Neville get a haircut. In a matter of minutes, David went from having shoulder length hair to looking like Mr. Clean. It was all for a good cause and, remember, it grows back! Congratulations to the Diva Angels who, for the fifth year in a row, won the Chapter Challenge. You ladies rock!

Compared to previous year’s events, the number of participants and funds raised were slightly down but in the last six years BRA has rose close to $300,000 and helped numerous local residents.

A big thank you goes to Evi and Tom Green, along with friends and supporters, as they have continually worked hard each year to put this event together. They also coordinate a yearly walk and smaller events throughout the year. BRA is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation “committed to increasing early detection and treatment of breast cancer and to providing financial support to those diagnosed with breast cancer.” Funds are kept local to help out needy individuals.