S.A.F.E. Poker Run a huge success

For the sixth year in a row, Support in Abusive Family Emergencies, Inc., (S.A.F.E.) has hosted their annual Poker Run. Each year S.A.F.E. hosts this event in October to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The event is also a fundraiser to assist with the programs and services S.A.F.E. offers, free of charge, to victims of abuse.

This year's event was the most successful ever, raising $5,500 to help victims of abuse in our community. Each year, Union County Auto Service/The Hog Pen has supported this event by donating the grand prize for the best Poker hand and promoting the ride. Copperhead Lodge also supported this year's event, and the 85 motorcycle riders who participated in this year's ride ended with food and entertainment at the Lodge.

Other sponsors included Appalachian Community Bank, Boemann's Law Office, Brasstown Valley Resort, Greg Brock ReMax, the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, and Southern Highlands Mortgage.

There were also numerous business owners who supported this event by donating door prizes for the participants. Without their support, the ride would not have been such a huge success. These businesses included: #1 Chinese Restaurant, 64 Garden Store, Alexander's, Alpine Cabins, American In Home Blinds, Birdyard Seed Company, Bitter Creek Market, The Boar House Restaurant, Bob's Pawn & Bonds, Booger Hollow General Store, The Book Nook, Brown's Well & Pump Repair, Butterfly Kisses, The Carriage House, Circuit World, Citgo/Treetops Country Store, Cobb's Mill Restaurant, Country Smokehouse, Cowboy Welding, Daniel's Steakhouse, Depot Power Center, Downtown Pizza, Dragonfly Cafe, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Frantiques, Fun World, Galaxy Bowling, Gilda McIntosh- Melaleuca, Gracie's, Griddle Cafe & Deli, Hair Gallery & Kuts for Kids, Hairbenders, High Country Tire & Wheel, Ingles, J & J Cafe, Logan Turnpike Mill, Lovely Nails, Mary Ann's Restaurant, Mary Lynn Durfee at Century 21 Scenic Realty, Mayfair Salon & Spa, ML Chocolate Cafe, Motor Sports Plus, Movie Gallery, Nelson's Ace Hardware, O'Reilly's Auto Parts, Owl's Nest, Owltown General Store, Pappy's Country Store, Pappy's Trading Post, Pat's Hallmark, Ramada at Lake Chatuge, Riverwalk Restaurant, Robynne's Nest, Sears & Roebuck, Season's Flurries, Sharon's Fashions, Simply Wireless/Verizon, Sunflower Antiques & Interiors, Sunrise Grocery, The Aviator Cafe, The Bed Store, The Hair People, Julie and Linda at the Hairs Shoppe, The Indian Store, Tom's Barber Shop, Tri County Choppers, Tucker's on the Square, Turner's Corner Cafe, United Community Bank, Union County Pet Hospital, Victoria's Sweet Shop, Video Unlimited, Wendy's and Woodpeckers.

S.A.F.E. serves to be the primary voice for advocacy and empowerment for those victims involved in domestic abuse, child abuse and sexual abuse in Towns and Union Counties. The 24-hour S.A.F.E. Crisis Line is 706- 379-3000 or 1-800-33-Haven. For more information about the programs and services provided by S.A.F.E., call 706- 379-1901 or visit www.SafeServices.org.