In three weeks, the Chilton County Humane Society’s “Hogs and Dogs” Poker Ride will be underway with numerous motorists already committed to riding for the cause.

Forty to 80 motorcyclists are committed to traveling the roads of Chilton County to raise money for the humane society.

The benefit is set for Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will begin at the humane society shelter.

“We have a lot of local people that are participating,” said organizer Mike Gauthier. “We’ve been putting up flyers and are expecting quite a few people.”

Because of the expected crowd and participants, the registration booth will be set up at 6 a.m., and registration will begin at 7 a.m.

“We have a lot of participation and have had a lot of support from Director Joe Murphy and the board at the humane society,” said Gauthier. “We hope this will be something so big that there is no way it (registration) will be done here again; we will have to move it to a bigger place, but we plan on doing this every year at this time.”

More gift giveaways have been donated and added to the event, including several hundred dollars worth of patio furniture; complete auto, motorcycle or truck detail; new helmets and leather gear; car washes; meals from restaurants; and more.

“It’s going to be a good time,” said Gauthier. “Prayers and Squares, a nonprofit quilting group will be making bandanas and do-rags and Peach Park and the Lighthouse Motorcycle Club are involved.”

Everyone will have an opportunity to win a prize, he said.

“I think the society is great and everyone needs to support this,” Gauthier said. “Joe utilizes a lot of resources that weren’t used before, and he always finds a way to save an animal, and I respect that. They take care of a big need for us.”

Registration forms can be picked up at Suds-R-Us, Second Chances Resale Store or at the shelter. Forms can also be downloaded from the shelter’s website at www.chiltoncountyhumanesociety.org.

For more information, contact the shelter at 755-9170 or Gauthier at 389-2467.