Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/703695
18 nAugust 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Helldog VISALIA, CALIF., JUNE 4—With a record-setting 105 degrees sticking rubber to the road, the 5 Diamonds MC held their annual fundraiser for the Visalia Rescue Mission. The Mission is a faith-based nonprofi t celebrating 35 years of service to those down on their luck in Tulare and Kings County. The poker run starts at the Mission and meanders by farms and orchards with stops at biker- friendly establishments along the back roads of Tulare County. This is the club's fi fth year of hosting the run, which has seen steady growth over the years. What started as an impressive $5,000 donation has grown to $14,130 this year. These diamonds shine on fundraising for a worthy cause. The 5 Diamonds MC has been around for a long time so I asked Donnie Burns, Tulare County Chapter president, how this run got started. He said, "Five years ago we were looking for a charity that we could get behind and help. We went through a few places and were really impressed with the Mission because of the good deeds they are doing for the local com- munity. They use the funds here and spend it all on worthwhile programs; none of it goes to waste. The people at the Mission and their success stories hit home. So, we decided to help them out with a motorcycle fundraiser. We partnered with the local business com- munity who came in big with sponsor- ships. Some of our biggest contributors that started with the motorcycle fund- raiser now give directly to Mission. That's all good because what the Mission is doing, changing people's lives, is helping all of us who live here. For us it doesn't stop after this event; we continue to give back. We do a spaghetti feed for them twice a year because we believe in this worthy cause." April Skye, DJ for 99.7 Classic Rock, got the party started with the music cranked up and announced, "I love the Visalia Rescue Mission and the miracles it helps make happen." As people signed in, got hydrated for the ride and made small talk with close friends, Mission residents helped serve guests. The steps of the program include service to the community and what better place to start than here at home. The Rev. Dave Miller sent up a prayer for a safe and successful run and then the club handed a big presentation check to Jessica Rondon, Mission development coordinator. The pack pulled out of the Mission parking lot and rode on to the fi rst stop—the Runway Café. Along the way you could see the snow- peaked Sierras in the not-so-distant background. At the Runway, there's a narrow landing strip suitable for small aircraft to stop at this locals' favor- ite for breakfast or lunch. Café staff greeted riders with cool water under a huge tree where they pulled their next lucky card. After this the run rolled through Woodlake to the next stop, the aptly named Dead Rat Saloon. It's the dive bar you've seen on TV from farmersonly.com where the country girls are waiting for the man of their dreams. A quick swig and it was back to town to our next host establishment, the Green Olive. Big and cool and dark, this is the kind of place where you can enjoy a Bloody Mary before moving on to the last stop. At the fi nish line, Donnie and the club were set up for the heat with swamp coolers and a well-stocked cooler of frosty beverages. April Skye and 99.7 brought their musical magic to the end party where we met late arrivals and swilled refreshing Jello shots. A full three tables of valuable gifts (multiple items in each) tempted riders to fi ll the bag of their choice for the silent auction. The meal laid out had as much love and attention bestowed on it as the rest of the ride. Served up by the prettiest support crew was barbecue chicken, cheesy potatoes, rice, beans, salad, rolls and an incredible green bean dish whipped up by the "P" himself. Guy Fieri, eat your heart out! A beautiful display of Cupcakes by Lauryn topped off this fabulous meal. As the temperature climbed, it was time to announce the winners. Mike won high hand, and Spray won the low hand of the run. As ticket numbers were called the winners laid claim to the gifts they most wanted. When the announcer thanked everyone for com- ing out a howl ran across the crowd. Did you forget something? "All right, all right then… I know you don't want to know who won the $1,500 paint job donated by S & K Hydraulics; but here it is anyway. And I know it can't be a Street Royalty brother, even though I think he might really, really want it. The winner is… Mike of Street Royalty! The only biker I know who would pay like $200 in raffl e tick- ets for a $1,500 paint job. Congrats, Mike." As he walked up to the table and reeled out strands of green tickets, Mike was all smiles from ear to ear. At the end of the day, the Visalia Rescue Mission was the biggest winner of them all. Great job, 5 Diamonds MC; until next year when we saddle up again for this very worthy cause. 4 5TH ANNUAL VISALIA RESCUE MISSION RUN Making miracles The 5 Diamonds shine for a worthy cause 5 Diamonds Tulare present a check for $14,130 to the Visalia Rescue Mission Helldog and Duby, out for a ride at Stop 2—the Runway Cafe in Woodlake