The Chilton County Humane Society will ride for a cause later this spring during its first “Hogs and Dogs” Poker Ride. The motorcycle event is set for Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m

Having several riders already committed to participating, organizer Mike Gauthier presented the idea recently to the humane society’s board.

“Mike, who is also a motorcycle rider, has done this before and is the brain-child behind the event,” said Joe Murphy, Humane Society director. “This is his way of giving back to the humane society.”

There will be numerous activities during the event, and proceeds will benefit the shelter.

“The proceeds will go toward medical expenses, testing, supplies and providing for the animals,” said Murphy. “The main focus is putting the proceeds back into the animals.”

There will be several free drawings for prizes and the shelter is holding an adoptive drive to coincide with the poker ride with reduced adoptive fees.

“Tom Cuthbert from Top Notch Tattoo is giving away one free tattoo,” said Murphy. “We have a lot of prizes and sponsors for this event.”

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. on the morning of the event. The first bikes will leave the shelter at 9:20 a.m., and the last bikes will leave at 10 a.m.

The rides will make three stops in Chilton County and draw cards. After returning to the shelter for the last card for a dart throw, whoever has the best hand at the end wins.

The registration fee is $30 per rider, $25 per passenger and $10 per extra poker hand (limited to two hands per person).

Registration for riders and passengers includes an event T-shirt, bandana, coffee, juice, drinks, hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue beans, chips and the ride (per hand).

“I’ve never participated in anything like this, but I think it is going to be very fun for the community, the staff and everyone involved and benefit the animals too,” Murphy said.

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.