Ninety-eight motorcyclists took part in the 13th Annual David F. Formica Poker Run and helped raise over $8,500 for cancer research and scholarships.

“We usually end up with between 75 and 100 riders,” Pam Formica said. “We had 89 last year.”

In a poker run, each rider starts with one playing card at the sign-up table, then proceeds to stop at five more places to pick up another card at each stop. At the end of the run, whoever has the best poker hand wins.

The program started at Annie’s Ice Cream on North Street, Jim Thorpe. Annie’s was offering a chocolate peanut butter milkshake in David’s honor, a favorite of his.

“They leave here any time between noon and 1 p.m., usually as groups,” Formica said. “Most of them will stop at the (Immaculate Conception) cemetery where David is resting. Then they go out to The Packerton Old Timers Club; the Orioles Nest 183, Lehighton; Knepper’s Inn, New Ringgold; and end at Beaver Run Rod & Gun Club.”

An after party was held at the Beaver Run Rod & Gun Club with a pig roast, a basket raffle, a DJ, and more.

“David was 11 when he was diagnosed with leukemia and 15 when he passed away,” said David’s sister, Heather Formica. “We have this to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for pediatric cancer research. We also have a scholarship set up at the (Jim Thorpe) high school in his memory.”

To date, they have awarded $4,400 in scholarships. David’s family also started a Resource Center at the Lehigh Valley Pediatric Oncology Clinic.

“We’re very grateful for all the support even this long after,” Heather said. “He will be gone 16 years this year. The support we get has been absolutely phenomenal, and we appreciate it. Thank you to everyone who came out to support: participants, volunteers, stops, sponsors and donors.”

If you were unable to make the poker run, but would like to support the Formicas’ efforts, you can make a donation at: https://pages.lls.org/ltn/lv/lehighvy22/doinitfordavid.

Next year’s run is scheduled for July 8, 2023.