MORLEY – More than 150 riders helped raise money for new televisions at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center’s cancer unit Saturday at the Leather Up For Cancer Event.

Organizer Matt McLear said the event raised $2,700. The motorcycle poker run was hosted by Char’s Bar in Morley.

“Through registration, donations, raffles, and 50/50 we were able to raise just over $2700. This puts us over the goal of $5,000 with the money from this run and the money raised from Beard Laws. With now having exceeded the $5,000 goal we will now be able to get larger televisions than the originally quoted,” he said.

McLear said a family member of his was receiving treatment at the cancer center and complained about the televisions in the treatment center, which are old tube-style units with small screens and he decided to do something about it.

McLear said the hospital had planned to replace the televisions in 2017, but they were removed from the budget. McLear had been toying around with his Beardlaws.com website and decided to use the brand for a good cause.

He then decided to bolster fundraising after speaking with his friend Chuck Hollis in Lisbon.

Following the success of Saturday’s event, McLear is hoping to make it an annual event.

“Hopefully be able to kill it again next year for another cause,” he said.

McLear offered appreciation to those who helped make the event possible.

“There are so many people to thank so if I miss anyone I'm sorry,” he said.

“A huge thank you goes out to Chuck Hollis. He came up with the idea one night in the shop and we nailed it. Thanks to his wife Vicky for helping and putting up with all of our ‘meetings.’”

“Thanks to Cheryl McLear and John McLear for hosting at Chars Bar and doing all of the food and drinks. Thanks to Vicky Stebbins who helped them out at Chars as well. Thanks to Jay Carter who helped assist with the blockers. Thanks to the Cancer Center girls Shauna, Chelsi, Kay, and Ashley for helping do the registration and reaching out for donations. Thanks to my Ken McLear, Julie McLear, Mike McLear, Gloria McLear, Warren McLear , and Sue McLear for assisting with the whole event as well. Thanks to Brandon Kelley for assisting with the poker hands and helping get donations. Thanks to the local radio stations and North Country Now for putting the word out about the event.

“Last but not least thank you to all the riders and local businesses that donated to the cause it wouldn’t have been possible without everyone involved.”