Revving motorcycles harmonized with the sound of raindrops pounding the pavement during the Poker Run for Autism, held June 8. The charity event—organized on behalf of the Summit Educational Foundation (SEF) to benefit Summit Academy Schools—raised nearly $2,600 despite the inclement weather. Donations continue to roll in, with the final tally pending the close of raffle ticket sales for a jumbo-sized, fully stocked Yeti cooler sponsored by TDG Facilities, LLC. The drawing
for the Yeti will be held July 1.
Hosted by Pearl Sherman of King Sportsman Tavern in Akron, the fundraiser invited participants on motorcycles, in cars, and in other vehicles to travel to the Dusty Armadillo in Rootstown and The Zodiac in 
Akron, where they drew playing cards from volunteers. Riders then returned to the final destination—King Sportsman Tavern on Waterloo Road in Akron—where they revealed their poker hands. Autumn Burnett, who held the best hand and won $100, generously donated her winnings back to SEF.
Festivities continued at King Sportsman Tavern, where guests enjoyed dinner and participated in raffle drawings for approximately 40 themed gift baskets (see donor 
list below). Prizes ranged from Cleveland Cavaliers gear to Guardians and RubberDucks tickets to a tattoo gift certificate and T-shirts. All participants received door prize bags filled with lip balm, autism wristbands, sunglasses, stickers, and other treats.
Local artist Jeni Bekelesky sold her signature “bar art” and donated the proceeds to the fundraiser. King Sportsman also sold event T-shirts, with all shirt sale proceeds donated to
SEF. Outside, Leppo Rents displayed a large yellow boom lift adorned with puzzle pieces to raise autism awareness.
“We deeply appreciate every donation and all the community support that helps us further our mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities and environments for students across Ohio,” said SEF Fundraising Coordinator Kyle Baldwin.
Baldwin added that proceeds from the event will help fund classroom supplies, educational tools, and learning resources for teachers; therapeutic martial arts, clubs, art, music, and social events for students; professional development for staff; and school building revitalization projects.
“We are so appreciative of every participant and cannot wait to continue demonstrating the impact fundraisers like this one have on our schools,” Baldwin
said. “Our mission is fulfilled because of the participation of folks like them.”
The Summit Educational Foundation raises funds and awareness for Summit Academy Schools, which deliver high-quality education to students with learning challenges such as autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Gifts made to the foundation help provide specialized and individualized learning experiences to help students thrive.
| Thank you to our sponsors and raffle prize donors:
King Sportsman Tavern Dusty Armadillo Iron Horse Salon Leppo Rents Akron RubberDucks Cleveland Browns Cleveland Cavs Trident Asphalt ARAV (Domestic Violence) Cleveland Monsters Chipotle Kim Tam Park TDG Facilities Great Lakes Theatre Akron Bikers for Boobs Zodiac/Gearheadz MC Dusty Armadillo Pittsburgh Steelers Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Manchester Tavern Stinger Harley Amber + Sage Imagery Iced Up Cakery Elaina Lanie Ridilla Zgrabik Melen’s Granite Bobi Davis Honeymoon Grill Leppo Rents B&C Communication Jason Clark & Danielle Cox Tammy Sells Dano’s Lakeside Pub Hopocan Gardens Jeni Bekelesky Archangel Tattoo Pearl Sherman Amy Hovanec Summit Staff Peppe & Luigi’s |