Pre-Ride Press Release

Jean Dean RIF’s Ride to Read 2–2–2 The Poker Run will begin at Big Swamp Harley-Davidson, 1201 Fox Run Parkway in Opelika, at 9 a.m. with registration. The first bike will leave at 9:30 a.m. on its way to the first stop and the last rider is expected to arrive back at Big Swamp at 1 p.m.

During the event, Outback Steakhouse will be catering lunch. Riders will also be able to participate in a silent auction, enjoy bike games and take advantage of discounts at Big Swamp.

To participate or make a donation, visit www.jeandeanrif.org and click the “Ride to Read” link. A $25 donation covers one poker hand, a T-shirt and lunch; $30 will cover three poker hands, a T-shirt and lunch; and $15 covers a passenger, who will also receive a T-shirt and lunch.

RIF’s Ride to Read was started by RIF Advisory Board member Truel Watts. After his death, the event was renamed the Truel Watts Ride to Read to honor the past Kiwanis governor.

Now held annually in Opelika, Watt’s wife and Advisory Board member Sylvia Watts assists with the event.

Jean Dean RIF is the largest RIF project in the nation and provides more than 75,000 books to more than 25,000 at-risk young children in Head Starts, Even Starts, state sponsored daycares and early intervention sites across Alabama each year. Jean Dean RIF was started in 1990 by Cathy Dean Gafford, Director of Jean Dean RIF, and her father, Joe Dean, as a part of the Kiwanis International Young Children (0-5): Priority One Project and is named in honor of Dean’s wife, Jean Torbert Dean. ###