Sharps humbled by community response to Poker Run Saturday

The Flamingo Motorcycle Club organized a Poker Run and fundraiser event for Daryl Sharp on Saturday.
Sharp is a longtime volunteer firefighter with the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department, and currently serves is its First Lieutenant.
At least 50 motorcycles and other vehicles participated in the 175 mile run, collecting their poker hands, said Jan Elliott, one of the event organizers.
After returning to the Imperial fire hall, the poker winners were announced.
First place went to Kelton Fisher, winning $100. Second place was Henry Aufdenkamp, who won $50. Receiving $25 for third place was Makala Bartels.
All three winners donated their winnings back to the fundraiser.
IVFD donated the meat and grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for a free-will donation supper.
Other supper donations came from Imperial Super Foods for salads, Hill’s Family Foods for buns and paper products and the IVFD auxiliary members made desserts for supper, baked goods for the bake sale and served the meal.
There were an estimated 150 to 175 people in attendance for the meal, Elliott said.
Also during the evening, there was a silent auction for 35 donated items.
“An added surprise at the end of the evening came from Chad Hendricks and Ken Schilke,” said Elliott.
“A plane flight for Daryl and two of his buddies was auctioned off. Chad donated the plane and Ken donated the fuel,” she added.
Sharp and his wife, Julie, said they were beyond words and so humbled by people’s response. Elliott said they couldn’t say thank-you enough.
“It is so awesome to live in so generous of a community,” Elliott said.