PHOTOS BY BOB EALUM
BY SARAH STEPHENS, ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
The Capital City Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club hosted their 3rd Annual Blue Santa Poker Run Saturday, to benefit Operation Blue Santa, with the Millbrook Police Department.
After a day of leaving the Harley Davidson of Montgomery, visiting multiple venues, the crew ended up at the Thirsty Turtle in Millbrook for the After Party, to include live music, food, awards and door prizes. Thirsty Turtle had hot dogs and hamburgers for sale, with all proceeds donated back to Operation Blue Santa. The American Legion Post 133 Riders also helped raise funds as well, and donated $633 dollars to the cause. We hope to have more in a future article giving details on all those who helped make this ride a tremendous success, as well as other highlights of the event.
Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley welcomed everyone to town, and said he was honored to be among some of the best folks around. He said it is amazing to see a group of people made up of first responders, military personnel, and civilians who understand the importance of community and continue to give back to others.
“For our city of Millbrook, whose police department is second to none in my opinion, I cannot thank everyone enough,” Mayor Kelley said. “A lot of you in this room know exactly what they go through and what they deal with on a daily basis.”
A special guest was International President John Boyan, who came all the way from Rochester, New York to show support. Other riders came from across the country to help in the day and final count of donations as well. We will have more on that final count at a later date.
“You have done a great job and it is my honor to be here with these guys and be a part of this,” Boyan said. “I am proud to wear this patch and be amongst honorable men as I am here. Thank you everyone for being here. It is you who make these events what they are. This is a great event and I want to support it.”
Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson said he is so appreciative of all of the riders that participated in the day’s events, and wanted them to know that their efforts help in a big way to provide Christmas presents for children in the area that would otherwise go without.
Throughout the ride, motorcyclists were escorted by police agencies from the area to ensure safety.
See more photos from Bob Ealum below.
