Marion will be full of motorcycles on Saturday, June 6 as The Brandy Winfield Memorial Fundraiser Corporation holds the 5th Annual Brandy Winfield Memorial Poker Run. Organizers say they expect around 700 motorcycles this year.

The Poker Run will once again start at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1232 East Center Street in Marion Ohio.  The day will begin with breakfast being served at 8:30 a.m.  Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m.  All bikes will leave the K. of C. beginning at noon.  

Cost for the 2009 Poker Run will be $20/couple and $15/single and includes a dinner at the end of the ride. Also planned for the evening festivities will be door prizes, 50/50 drawing, beer garden and the local band Good Trouble.  

The Brandy Winfield Poker Run has been able to help many worthwhile causes with the support of everyone involved. For the 5th year in a row the proceeds from the 2009 Poker Run will support two additional causes that are extremely important to the family of Brandy Winfield.

The proceeds generated from the event will benefit two worthwhile groups. The first is the Marion County Fraternal Order of Police Steve Young Memorial Lodge #24 and the Richwood, OH. Police Dept, K-9 Fund.  

The Fraternal Order of Police SteveYoung Memorial Lodge is an organization that supports law enforcement officers in labor issues and provides many community support functions throughout the year. The Richwood, OH. community was an important part of Brandy Winfield’s early career and an area in which he had close ties.  Brandy lived in Richwood and was a member of the Richwood Volunteer Fire Dept. while he was a Marion County Deputy Sheriff.

Since the first run on June 4, 2005, the Brandy Winfield Memorial Poker Run has raised $68,400. The groups and organizations that have benefited from this are the Winfield Children Trust Fund, The Brandy Winfield Memorial Scholarship Fund, Ridgedale High School Athletic Department, Concerns of Police Survivors – Ohio  Chapter, Concerns of Police Survivors – Kids Camp, Tri-Rivers Joint Vocational School Law Enforcement Program, Safety City of Marion and former Marion City Police Officer Cory Winfield’s recovery after he was struck by a drunk driver while riding his motorcycle home after his shift on August 19th, 2007.  

“We invite everyone to join us as we once again ride in honor of fallen Marion County Deputy Sheriff, Brandy Winfield.  It is with great honor and pride that this event continues in memory of Officer Winfield’s spirit and dedication while serving the citizens of Marion County.“, states Chairman Chris Sanders.