Beep, beep, get ready for an adventure - the Door County Spring Jeep Run will take place on Saturday, May 10th in Sturgeon Bay! The event will include an interactive day of exploring and visiting various businesses in Door County as part of the Poker run. Proceeds will benefit STRIDE, a mental health partner program of the United Way of Door County that helps students to focus on strength, independence, and empowerment.
The event will begin with a light breakfast at Kitty O’Reilly’s at 9AM, registration opens at 10AM and includes a short driver meeting at 11AM. A representative from STRIDE is also expected to speak. Participants will have until 6PM to build their Poker hand at stops that include AC Tap, Lake Fire Winery, Mink River Basin, and The Hitching Post.
John Jorns, a Commercial Lender for the Bank of Luxemburg in Door County and the volunteer coordinator for the event, says the run is an engaging way to get involved in the community. Last year, the event had close to 50 participants which has already been surpassed with registrations for next month.
“It’s fun to show off Door County, and how you can see people from different areas whether they’re locals or you know, tourists coming in, they all have something in common and I see some really good relationships start,” said Jorns.
Jorns was inspired to introduce the event after getting involved with the Door County Jeep Jam in Egg Harbor and had approached Amy Kohnle, Executive Director for United Way of Door County, with his idea.
“As a Jeep owner, I just realized what I would really like to do with it and figured how can we help a cause?” said Jorns, “my idea was to tour Door County and help the establishments in the off season and raise money.”
With the run, participants will receive a different Poker card at each stop for a total of five cards. They will also have the opportunity to purchase a sixth card and the best hand will win. Best of all, Jorns says no prior gaming experience is necessary to join in on the fun.
“It’s low stress and you don’t need to know how to play Poker to do it, there’s no card talent involved,” he said.
Each hosting stop will also have fundraisers going to raise additional funds as well as gift baskets to raffle. The final stop, The Thirsty Cow Taphouse, will have live music and the final hand where the lucky winner will receive a $500 cash prize, sponsored by the Bank of Luxemburg.
“I think this is going to be a real good run,” said Jorns, “you don’t have to have a Jeep to attend this, but I can tell you, when you’re done, you may want one.”
Tickets are $50 per person, per Poker hand. To register, visit www.unitedwaydc.com or call (920) 746-9645.
