by Jody Spear and Kelly Meyer –
MASON CITY – A motorcycle poker pun fundraiser was held Saturday morning starting at 10 AM. “Riding a Cure Out” raised money for juvenile diabetes research.
Registration started at 9 AM at the Willow Run. The cost was $30 for single rider and $50 for a couple.
“It’s for a very good cause and it’s fun,” said Lee Olson, chair of the JD Raiders fundraising team.
Some of the riders started their ride at 10:05, others straggled out, and would be meeting up later. After leaving the Willow Run, the Poker Run Route started at the Thirsty Dog in Manly, then proceeded to the Colony Inn in Ventura, to Donna’s Place in Merservey, to Sheffield’s Lane’s in Sheffield, to Big Deals in Rockford, to Tank’s in Rudd, to LD’s in Mason City, to Harley Davidson in Mason City and would end the ride at an after-party at Spike’s in Mason City. Where there was food, prizes and an auction presented.
Participants received a stamp at each of the stops, then drew cards for the best poker hand. First prize was $200 and second was a gift basket from Harley-Davidson of Mason City. Shirts and several other items were given as prizes.
The sponsors for the JDRF “Riding a Cure Out”, were Harley Davidson of Mason City, D&D Sales, Donna’s Lounge, HyVee, Big Deals, Spikes Tap & Grill, Martin Bros., Honda of Mason City, Johnson Sanitary Products, Willow Run, The Colony Inn, Tanks, Thirsty Dog, LD’s Filling Station, Sheffield Lanes and Fareway of Mason City.
Diabetes is the name given to disorders in which the body has trouble regulating its blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels. There are two major types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which a person’s body still produces insulin but is unable to use it effectively.
JDRF’s research mission is to discover, develop and deliver advances that cure, better treat and prevent type 1 diabetes (T1D). As the global leader in the fight against T1D, JDRF’s research programs are comprehensive — addressing the hopes and dreams of every person with T1D for the best quality of life and a cure for this disease.
