Chrome Divas raise money for March of Dimes with poker walk
Twelve individuals participated in the Chrome Divas Poker Walk Sunday afternoon at the Olde Fish House Marina to raise money for March of Dimes, Bikers for Babies event.
The stops of the poker walk included Pine Bay Gallery, Matlacha Menagerie, Traders Hitching Post, Frills Gallery and Olde Fish House Marina, all locations in Matlacha, for just $5.
Tena Crowley, a member of Chrome Divas, said everyone who participated in the walk received a free ticket at a chance to win a drawing. She said individuals who did not want to walk, but wanted to participate, were also welcomed for $5 as well.
“They can draw all of their cards here,” Crowley said at the Olde Fish House Marina.
Ellen “Bubbles” Jones and Linda “Suds” Ridner, members of the Moose Riders, participated in the walk Sunday because, they said, it’s all about everyone helping everyone.
Jones said she wanted to get involved because it was good exercise, as well as providing her with the opportunity to browse the shops and support March of Dimes.
Ridner said she bought a bookmark from one of the shops because it was small enough to put in her purse.
“We worked up an appetite, so we ate here,” she said.
Jones said it is all about having a good time.
“The economy is bad, you have to show your face when you can,” she said about helping organizations, especially March of Dimes because everyone loves babies.
The two friends hoped that the Chrome Divas ended up having a good turnout for the event.
Jones and Ridner said about eight to 20 Moose Riders will enter Bikers for Babies this Sunday, a ride that starts in Naples and ends in Fort Myers.
Ridner said many people stand along the road throughout the police escorted ride.
“There is a lot of support out there,” she said.
During Sunday’s event, individuals gathered around the outdoor stage at the picnic tables as they listened to Ground Down and enjoyed some fish fry. She said a portion of the money made from the fish fry was being donated to the March of Dimes.
Although the Chrome Divas were hoping a larger crowd would have showed up for the event, they were happy for the support.
“Every little bit helps, we appreciate every single last one,” Crowley said. “We are glad everyone’s having a good time.”
The poker walk event also included silent auction baskets that were worth $100 or more, all of which were donated by the community, as well as a 50/50 raffle and a cake donated by Publix.
“The community gives, what more can we ask for,” Crowley said.
Motorcycles were also set up in the back of the Olde Fish House Marina, along with the Chrome Divas float that won the Best Decorated award during the Bike Night bed race in Cape Coral Saturday night. The entrance fee for the bed race was donated by D&D Bait and Tackle.
Crowley said there was an excellent crowd that came out and supported the Bike Night.
She wanted to thank Ground Down for donating its time, as well as the Olde Fish House Marina for allowing them to hold the event at the location.