A group of motorcycle enthusiasts, fueled by a passion for supporting youth in the Orillia area, raised more than $10,000 yesterday.
An “amazing” group of 68 motorcyclists gathered Saturday for the second annual HxmeSweetHxme Poker Run.
The event is a fundraiser for the Orillia Youth Centre and the Jake Beers bursary.
The participants gathered Saturday morning at Blue Moon Junction, just north of Orillia, before roaring off on a 200-kilometre journey to Summerland in Gravenhurst, to Longhouse in Bala, before heading to the Coldwater Bowling Alley and then back to Blue Moon Junction.
Annette and Shawn Cuppage, who help organize the fundraiser, say they were “thrilled” that this year’s event raised $10,085, surpassing the inaugural event’s total by more than $3,000.
The motorcyclists picked up cards at each stop and those with the highest poker hand at the conclusion of the event won prizes donated by community-minded local businesses.
And while the event is meant to be fun, its goals and message are serious, said Shawn Cuppage, the uncle of Jake Beers, who took his own life in 2019.
Beers was a well known rapper who was involved in the Orillia Youth Centre and was passionate about giving back to the younger generation in Orillia.
“In Jake’s name we want to raise money and raise awareness about mental health for our youth,” said Cuppage, president of the HxmeSweetHxme Foundation.
“Something has to change; we want to bring some good fortune and positivity to help our local youth,” he said.
“They grow up in a world where they are expected to pay $2,000 a month rent by making $15 an hour; the pressure that they are under is hard on mental health,” he said.
“Kids don’t have an escape anymore because of social media, but the Youth Centre has great programs to help the (local) kids.”
Annette Cuppage said she was thankful for the “incredible support from many community members from bikers to business owners and citizens. We have a beautiful bunch of volunteers that make this all possible,” she said.
Kevin Gangloff, the director of the local youth centre, applauded the Cuppages for their hard work on the event’s Facebook page.
“The end result of their hard work ensures that youth in our area have choices, support, and a better tomorrow while remembering and honouring Jake,” said Gangloff. “Thank you will never be enough for all they’ve done.”
--With files from Tyler Evans
