As a way to help local and county residents in their time of need, a number of motorcycle enthusiast and members of the Rushville Eagles Lodge formed the Eagle Riders earlier this year.

Since organizing, the nearly 40 members have hosted two poker runs: one to assist a transplant patient and a second to give financial assistance to tornado victims from the June 3 storms.

A third ride is rapidly approaching to assist Rushville City Street Superintendent Danny Hoover. Hoover was injured in a motorcycle accident on Gings Road June 16.

The injuries sustained in the accident required that Hoover be air-lifted to an Indianapolis trauma center.

To help offset that expensive transport the Eagle Riders will host a poker run Aug. 23.

Registration will be held from 10 a.m. until noon at the Rushville Eagles Lodge, 221 West First Street. Riders will then embark on a slow run to various locations east of Rush County that will include a number of stops along the way prior to returning to the local Eagles Lodge for an auction and dinner. The cost of the ride, including the dinner, is $15 per bike or vehicle and an additional $5 for riders.

“I think this will be provide a fun time for the entire family and it is for a good cause. We are hoping for a large turnout. All of the funds we raise will go toward assisting with Danny’s medical bills,” Joe Malcom said.

The local organization is the seventh group that has been formed in the state from Eagles Lodges.

According to Malcom, the poker run is not limited strictly to motorcycles, anyone with a vehicles is encouraged to join the ride.

For additional information, to make a donation or to submit items for the auction, John or Tracy Painter can be contacted at (765) 938-1143 or Tom and Stephanie Painter at (765) 932-4669.

Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.