LANSING - The first Benjamin Franklin Memorial Poker Run raised $5,200 for the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Michigan.

The July 29 motorcycle ride, intended to be an annual event, honors Benjamin Tyler Franklin, who died at age three of cerebral palsy. He's the son of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 333 secretary April Franklin and Iron Workers Local 25 member Benjamin Franklin,

"A lot of Local 333 and other union members, and a lot of people we didn't know, participated in the ride," said April Franklin, who chaired the event. "We appreciate everyone who participated. There was a really good response, and we got some awesome feedback. We plan on making it an annual event."

The ride started at the Local 333 union hall in Lansing, and ended at the Wooden Nickel Saloon in Dansville. There were 58 bikes and 200 participants.

In a poker run, drivers of cars and motorcycles make five stops on a pre-planned route and draw a card at each stop. At the final stop, prizes age given out for those who have the best poker hand. Food, music and prizes were given out at the Wooden Nickel.

John Tesija, funds attorney for Local 333 and other unions, took part in the ride. "It was fun," he said, "but the best part was that it was for a good cause. You feel good about doing it."

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN Memorial Poker Run riders prepare to leave the Local 333 parking lot.