The poker run will bring together thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to raise awareness and funds for Realities For Children. (Courtesy/Realities For Children)
The 22nd annual Realities Ride & Rally is scheduled to take place Friday, Aug. 25 through Saturday, Aug. 26 at the Biergarten, 2685 Busch Drive, in Fort Collins.
The event, which has been dubbed the “World’s Largest Motorcycle Poker Run,” draws thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from across the United States and around the world to help raise money for the nonprofit Realities For Children.
“The Realities Ride is not only one of the largest fundraising events for children who have been abused, neglected, abandoned or at-risk locally, but it is one of the most inspirational for the children we serve,” said Craig Secher, founder and executive director of Realities For Children.
The event kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday with a free concert from Sean Stemaly, a military tribute, food trucks, a stunt show, an appearance from YouTube’s Dude Dad and more.
The poker run begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Biergarten. Participants will take a scenic ride across northern Colorado before returning to the starting point for more fun.
In addition to the poker run, attendees can enjoy live music, demo rides, a motorcycle stunt show, ax throwing, drawings and giveaways, a live auction and more.
All ages are welcome to attend, and you do not have to ride or own a motorcycle to participate in the festivities. Admission into the Biergarten is free.
All proceeds raised at the event will benefit the nonprofit, which provides emergency and ongoing support to children in northern Colorado who have been abused, neglected or are at risk. Past poker runs have raised more than $100,000 for Realities for Children programs.
Registration for the poker run is $40 for riders, $20 for passengers, $150 VIP for riders and $250 VIP for riders and passengers.
For those not able to ride or don’t ride, they can still make a donation by going to the event’s website, which also includes information on signing up and volunteer opportunities, at www.realitiesride.com.
Secher founded the nonprofit in 1995 to provide support for abused, neglected and at-risk children in the northern Colorado area. The organization represents 270 business members and 40 partner agencies. In 2022, Realities For Children provided 5,094 children with emergency funding and served 5,240 children and guardians by providing activity programs and facilities space.
“The past few years, we have seen record high need for emergency services, and the mental health impact and healing support needs continue to grow,” Secher said.
To learn more about Realities For Children, go to www.realitiesforchildren.com.
