FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Event Overview
Rev your engines and ride with purpose at the 8th Annual Emily’s Hope Poker Run on Saturday, June 27, 2026, for a 100-mile ride through scenic stops in South Dakota and Iowa while supporting Emily’s Hope’s mission to stop stigma and save lives.
This unforgettable day isn’t just about the ride; it’s about rallying behind a critical cause. As Emily’s Hope’s biggest fundraiser of the summer, the Poker Run helps support vital education, prevention, and recovery programs that make a lasting difference across South Dakota.
Registration Details
All motorcycles and street-legal vehicles are welcome. Registration is open from 10:00 a.m. to noon at J&L Harley-Davidson. Riders can pre-register online or during Bike Night on Friday from 6–9 p.m. for $20. Day-of registration is $25. The HOG Chapter is making breakfast during registration.
Route Stops
- J&L Harley-Davidson | Sioux Falls, SD (Start)
- Valley Corner Bar | Valley Springs, SD
- Belly Up Bar & Grill | Inwood, IA
- Waddy’s Bar & Grill | Hudson, SD
- Kim’s Korner Bar & Grill | Worthing, SD
- JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars | Sioux Falls, SD (Final Stop)
All participants must return to JJ’s by 5:00 p.m. to draw their poker hands. There will be food available at JJ’s, along with live music from Chad Madsen until 7:00 p.m.
The Poker Run also features a 50/50 raffle and silent auction showcasing a variety of unique items, including a rally experience at Sturgis Buffalo Chip, a Willie G Skull Bag Toss Set, getaway and adventure packages, and two 24″ x 24″ metal prints of Large Geode, this year’s featured artwork created by Emily Groth.
Proceeds from the event will directly support Emily’s Hope in our mission to stop the stigma of substance use disorder, expand access to treatment and recovery, and save lives through education, prevention, and awareness.
Emily’s Hope extends our sincere gratitude to Avera, J&L Harley-Davidson, JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars, and First Dakota/Loft Advisors for their generous sponsorship of the 2026 Poker Run. Their partnership is instrumental in making this event possible.
Join Us
Don’t miss this opportunity to ride, have fun, and support a great cause. Join us on Saturday, June 27, 2026, for the 8th Annual Emily’s Hope Poker Run and be part of something that truly matters.
About Emily’s Hope
Emily’s Hope is a nonprofit organization working to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and to save lives through evidence-informed education, compassionate support, and assistance for recovery. Founded by award-winning journalist Angela Kennecke after the tragic overdose death of her daughter Emily, the organization has become a national voice for prevention and hope. Emily’s Hope offers a K–12 substance use prevention curriculum used across the country, the Grieving Out Loud podcast, and on-the-ground initiatives such as naloxone distribution, a Post-Overdose Response Team, and a Youth Prevention Coalition in South Dakota. The organization also provides treatment scholarships to help individuals access care. Learn more about Emily’s Hope at emilyshope.charity.
For additional media information, please visit emilyshope.charity/media.
Media Contact
Delana Mach
Events & Outreach Coordinator
Emily’s Hope
delana@emilyshope.charity