PHILLIPS – The first Narrow Gauge Riders ATV Club Poker/Toy Run was held at North Franklin Park on Aug. 12 with 44 machines and 54 riders participating.

Besides being able to purchase a poker hand and win prizes, participants were asked to bring a toy. The toys collected were donated to the United Way.

At the start of the run riders were escorted by Franklin County Sheriff Dennis Pike to ensure that everyone started together. There were safety people posted at locations along the way in case emergency help was needed.

The ride was approximately 35 miles and at the end, there were free refreshments for the riders, cooked and served by members of the Phillips eighth-grade class. They cooked and served the refreshments and, in return, the ATV club donated $200 for the class trip.

Along with the prize for best poker hand, which went to Alan Bickford, there was a 50/50 drawing and raffles with prizes donated by various local businesses. Half of the 50/50 drawing was donated to a local resident, who had just experienced a family loss.

A junior member, Thomas Evans IV, won $35 in a raffle and he donated the full amount to benefit the local resident. Bickford also donated his winnings to the cause. Sky Galusha, a junior member and an eighth-grade member, helped cook and serve refreshments.