By John Hernandez
What looked like an invasion of motorcycles at the Patio Café in Oracle turned out to be just the first leg in a benefit Poker Run. The bikers were participating in the second annual Full Throttle Florence Poker Run to benefit the Special Olympics.
The run is part of the Arizona Law Enforcement Torch Run, where law enforcement officers from agencies all over the state sponsor fundraisers and challenge each other to be the top donor. Personnel from the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADOC) organized and participated in the 160 mile long ride.
Ernie Trujillo, Southern Regional Director for ADOC said the Department of Corrections is generally the top contributor of all the law enforcement agencies.
The Poker Run started in Florence with stops in Oracle, the Historic Drift Inn in Globe,
Los Hermanos’ parking lot in Superior and ending up at the Kokopelli Moon Saloon in old downtown Florence. Last year the Arizona Department of Corrections contributed $170,000 to the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics.