As the sun quickly scaled the eastern horizon, one appeared. Then another. Then a couple more. Starting to draw closer in packs of two to five, their collectively low throaty rumbling started to drown out the quiet sounds of morning.   No, it wasn’t an episode of National Geographic Wild gone horribly awry.

Rather, it was bikes and their riders approaching the CoServ Pavilion to take part in the 2011 Power of Hope Poker Run, sponsored by the CoServ Charitable Foundation (CCF). On the morning of Sept. 17, 62 bikes rolled in to participate and their riders drew the first card of a five card poker hand.   After some socializing, coffee and donuts, and a few back slaps, the Poker Run kicked off. Riders proceeded along a course spanning through Denton, Grayson, and Montague counties, with stops in Tioga, Forestburg, and Sanger. At each stop, the rider would select another card from a waiting CCF representative.    From Sanger, it was back to the CoServ Pavilion to draw the final card. Mind you, though, this was in no way a race. Instead, it was a time for riding enthusiasts to enjoy a pleasant morning, cruising with friends along the rolling blacktop, to support a good cause.   That good cause? The Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County. Registration fees for the Poker Run earned the social services agency $2,000 (rounded up from $1,445), donated by the CCF.   The Children’s Advocacy Center, located in Lewisville, provides a safe, child-friendly environment where law enforcement, child protective services, district attorney’s office personnel, sexual assault nurse examiners, and licensed counselors can work together on the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of severe child abuse cases. In 2010, the Advocacy Center helped hold 78 perpetrators accountable for their abuse crimes against children and interviewed 701 children suspected of being abused.   The event’s support came from all angles. B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse) had a large contingent of riders present. Members from local cycle clubs and even a few CoServ Employees joined in. Each participant received the official 2011 Power of Hope Poker Run patch.    Taking first place in the event was Henry Cain. Joe Carmichael scored second, and third place went to Charles Michaels.   The CCF thanks each participant and looks forward to another successful event next year.   For more information visit the CoServ Charitable Foundation page.