The Polk County chapter of the American Red Cross held its first-ever annual “Ride for the Red” motorcycle ride and poker run Saturday to raise funds for the services they provide.

Board Member Don Tompkins said that they were fortunate that a bike festival was being held in Winter Haven around the same time that the Red Cross usually does its monthly fundraiser.

A motorcycle “poker run” is a traditional biking event in which bikers pay to participate, and then ride to five different locations to collect poker cards.

Once they get back to the start, the best, second-best, and worst poker hands are awarded prizes.

The five locations were Harley-Davidson of Lakeland, Fun Bike Center of Lakeland, Beef ‘O' Brady's of Bartow, Saltwater Grill of Winter Haven, and Bike Fest in Winter Haven.

Each biker paid $20 to ride alone, or $30 to ride with a passenger.

One man gave a $1,500 donation, even though he didn't ride.

“Since 9/11 and the recent hurricanes and other natural disasters, the Red Cross has received more donations than I've ever seen,” Tompkins said.