Poker Run History

The Ridin’ for Hospice Poker Run is one of Snowline Hospice’s premier fundraising events. The creation of the Poker Run is owed to Bill Bryant, a volunteer dramatically affected by the positive benefits of hospice care. His father, Benny Buschmann, whom the ride is dedicated to, was cared for by Community Hospice in Modesto. Bill is a resident of Placerville and wanted to help Snowline spread the message of hospice care. He decided to combine his two loves of hospice care and motorcycling and approached Snowline about creating a motorcycle Poker Run, thus the Ridin’ for Hospice Poker Run was created in 2004.

Bill and Theresa Bryant

Snowline was uncertain at first about whether the event would be successful, but Bill assured them that he would be there 100% and do all he could to ensure its success. The Ridin’ for Hospice Poker Run has become one of the leading fundraisers for Snowline Hospice, having raised an increasing amount of funds each year. In 2004, the ride grossed $15,900. $22,000 was raised in 2005 and 2006 raised over $33.000. Last year, 2007, was the most successful ride to date raising over $40,000 with 356 riders participating. Since 2004, the Ridin' for Hospice Poker Run has raised over $110,000 for Snowline Hospice.

Bill is not the only volunteer for the Poker Run, there are several others who are key in helping plan the successful event. Bill’s wife Theresa is also very involved in helping organize and working the day of the event. Tammy and Scott Rodarte have also been volunteers since the beginning. The ride always ends at Rainbow Orchards in Camino with a great barbeque. The barbeque was such a success the first year that Scott built a custom grill to be used each year for the event. He is now the official chef and stores it at his home the rest of the year.



Volunteers on the day of the ride also ensure the successful event from manning the registration booth to working a poker stop, there are several tasks that need to be completed. For information on volunteering on the day of the ride or to be on the Poker Run planning committee, email the Events Coordinator at events@snowlinehospice.org.

The ride begins at the Snowline Hospice Placerville Thrift Store where riders register for the ride and have a chance to purchase gently used motorcycle clothing and merchandise. Also on display are raffle prizes that will be given away at the barbeque at Rainbow Orchards. The route is through beautiful Gold Country and Crystal Basin and features five poker stops and a mystery stop. Poker stops include the new Snowline Hospice Administration building, Mike’s Cycle of Placerville, and other exciting locations. Riders can enjoy a leisurely ride through the beautiful foothills and gorgeous river views. The ride ends in Camino at picturesque Rainbow Orchards with a gourmet BBQ and raffle. Riders once again enjoyed the handy work of Scott Rodarte as he fired up the barbeque once more for 2008.

One of the key fundraising efforts for the Poker Run is the quad and trailer raffle. This year, a 2008 360cc 4x4 Kawasaki Quad and Trailer will be auctioned off. Each year, tickets are sold for several months prior to the event and the raffle is held at the end of the Poker Run. Tickets can be purchased for $10 at various locations, including all four Snowline Hospice Thrift Stores. The winner need not be present to win.

Another opportunity for people to get involved is through sponsorship; there are several levels available including the $2500+ level, $1000 level, $500 level, $250 level and also Raffle prizes. Sponsors are key as their donations make the ride a successful fundraiser. Sponsors receive several benefits and Snowline Hospice could not do the Poker Run without them. The efforts that go into planning the Poker Run are a small price to pay for the benefit of knowing that individuals who cannot afford to pay for hospice care will receive it.