Fire-Rescue News- MOTORCYCLISTS HIT THE ROAD TO HELP FELLOW RIDER & VOL FIREFIGHTER

ATLANTIC COUNTY-- It's an event that's part motorcycle, part poker and it's all to help one fellow rider.

"A poker run consists of 5 stops. Everybody draws a card at each stop and at the end there's a 5–card poker hand, best hand wins simple as that," said organizer Frank D’Alonzo.

Motorcycle riders from all walks of life met in Egg Harbor City for the start of this year's "Cabin Fever Poker Run."

Many agreed that it was the perfect day to be on the road but even more important, .....Contiune Reading

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it was a chance to help fellow rider Jack Engel.

"Who lost his leg 12 years ago in a terrible hit and run motorcycle accident. Jack needs a new prosthesis so today's event is for money for jack's new prosthesis," said D'Alonzo.

"It's got me limping most of the time and it's not a comfortable feeling walking around like that," said Engel.

Engel patiently waits outside the Moose Lodge in Atlantic City, the run's final stop, to welcome those who are helping raise the additional $6,000 needed for a new prosthetic leg. The Ventnor native is a Marine Corps veteran, volunteer firefighter and motorcycle rider himself, but to see nearly 300 friends come out to help is something he says he'll never forget.

"It's a strange feeling. I don't know how exactly to describe it. I usually do these for others and to have others doing it for me is unbelievable," said Engel.

With the strong showing, some say they may be able to raise enough money for Engel to walk comfortably once again.

"To see the crowd we had come through here today is absolutely overwhelming. We knew it would be a good turnout. We never dreamed that we would have the kind of turnout we've had here today," said D"Alonzo.

With an event that's part gambling, and motorcycle riding many say that helping others may become another permanent part of this poker ride.

"This year we're doing it for me and in the future years if this is a success we'll do it for someone else who needs something," said Engel.