In April, 2015, Colorado Four Wheelers decided to host a poker run as a Christmas for Kids fundraiser. It snowed nearly two feet in a lot of areas the night before, and as I led the group up to the poker run from Rudy's that morning, we were sliding on icy roads and then enveloped by fog. Despite the weather, we had a great turnout and a very fun day. Everyone had a great time, so we decided to do it again this year. Except we thought that we would try a bit later in the year to lessen the chance for snow. We waited with bated breath to see what the weather would do, as we had snow,  rain, and sunshine in the weeks and days before our 2016 event.

On June 18th, the Colorado Four Wheelers hosted our second poker run to raise funds for Christmas for Kids. We set up in a large camping area off of Cedar Mountain Road, just outside of Divide, CO. Participants pre-registered this year, and their registration fees covered one trail run and a hand of poker, plus lunch. We gave them the option to run Hackett, Metberry, or Longwater gulches. Co-drivers were also able to play a poker hand. We had 38 vehicles and 61 participants.

Trip leaders Tony Cobb, Brendan Ruggles, and James Marden led the trails, with the assistance of Robert Blohm, Steve Houston, and Robert Stoermer. Everyone had a good time, with only one issue of breakage on the trail.

Back at base camp, volunteers got lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, cookies, chips, and drinks ready. We also got ready for the raffle. We had prizes donated by Frank with Bighorn Automotive in Parker, R&R Offroad in Colorado Springs, and Extreme Terrain, as well as prizes donated by CFW club members.

Between the raffle, registration fees, and food donations, the fundraiser was very successful, bringing in $1407 for the Christmas for Kids charity.

Christmas for Kids is a group of southern Colorado four wheel drive community members who come together every year to partner with our local Department of Human Services. Our goal is to provide Christmas gifts for children in the DHS system who would not otherwise get any gifts. Not only do club members get wish lists from the children and shop for specific kids, but we raise money to provide extra presents that DHS personnel can distribute to families, based on need. We are one of the only organizations that help children who have been emancipated; these children often need the basics of everyday life, such as pots and pans, bedding, or even winter clothing. In 2015, we were able to raise $4693.00 and we sponsored 178 children!With our fantastic start to 2016, we hope to be able to do even more to help children in need in our area!

If you want to help out with Christmas for Kids, please look at the Christmas for Kids Facebook page or email at christmasforkids@gmail.com