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| Messenger photos by Dianne Garrett |
| Al Martin and Willie Ogg, first two motorcycles on the far left, head out with about 70 other bikes for a charity poker run to benefit co-worker, Mitchell Lewis. He has been diagnosed with cancer, and is no longer able to work. About $9,000 was raised throughout the event on Sept. 15 to help the family offset medical expenses. |
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| Julie Ogg (far right) organized the bake sale and silent auction for the charity poker run to benefit city employee, Mitchell Lewis. Registration for the poker run was a family affair. With Ogg are her daughter, Michelle Reed, and grandchildren, Andrew and James Reed. Ogg is the secretary to Mayor Lynn Ochsendorf. |
September 15 was filled with glorious sunshine, and proved the perfect day for a poker run. Friends and fellow Whitehall City employees organized the charity event to benefit Mitchell Lewis, who had to leave work after being diagnosed with cancer. About $9,000 was raised to help offset the family’s expenses.
Dian Lewis said she and her husband, children Lucy, 14, and Adam, 19, are appreciative of everything Mitch’s co-workers, friends and the community as a whole, have done to help them during this trying time.
She shared that the acts of kindness and support have been overwhelming, and have been instrumental in helping them cope with the situation.
Lewis joined the poker run at the VFW on Main Street in a vehicle, and made it through a few stops. He then went home to rest so that he could join the group later when they returned.
And that he did. He danced a little to the sounds of Abraxas, and sang some karaoke during the evening activities. Abraxas lead singer is Whitehall Police Officer Tony Fields, and karaoke was hosted by service department employee Willlie Ogg.
Throughout the planning, 50/50 raffle tickets were sold, and at the event were also silent auction items, Longaberger Baskets and a bake sale. Winner of the 50/50 donated the money back to Lewis.
Winners in the poker run were Mike Staten for "solo on bike"; driver – Al Ogg; overall rider and best hand, Teresa Forbes.
