Blue Star Ranch Hosts Thriving Second Annual Poker Ride for Charity

Blue Star Ranch successfully hosted its second annual charity poker motorcycle ride on September 13, 2025, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic participants. This event serves as the ranch’s signature fundraiser, aimed at supporting its operations, which include maintaining horses and funding therapists for veterans and first responders grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

According to John Zhe, a volunteer with the ranch, the organization relies heavily on fundraising efforts as “everybody else is volunteer. Nobody gets paid.” The ranch, located off Placerita Canyon Road, is dedicated to providing equine-assisted therapy for those in need.

The ride commenced at the Mint Canyon Moose Lodge in Canyon Country, where riders signed in and collected poker cards to complete their hands at various checkpoints along the route. The 77.6-mile journey began at 10 a.m. and took participants past Elizabeth Lake, through Lakeview and Acton, before returning to the lodge.

Many of the riders were military veterans, while others participated to show their support for those who have served. The event saw several motorcycles adorned with American flags, POW MIA flags, and Veterans of Foreign Wars flags, symbolizing the riders’ commitment to the cause.

Rider Frank Alcantar, a Canyon Country resident, expressed his motivation for participating, saying he was there to support veterans and first responders. Another participant, Joe Lozano, also from Canyon Country, noted his eagerness to help veterans and children whenever possible, having taken part in the ride last year.

Saugus resident Tim McGowan rode on behalf of teamsters for veterans and first responders, while Max Morgan, known as “Mad Max,” highlighted the critical need for support among individuals dealing with PTSD. Morgan, a former United States Marine and Navy SEAL, stated, “I want to help raise money for an organization that sponsors and treats vets with PTSD. It’s an enormous problem in the veteran community, and I want to do what I can do to support them, having served and been shot and wounded in Vietnam.”

After the ride, participants gathered for the poker game results. The rider with the best poker hand received a prize of $100, while the participant with the worst hand was awarded $50. Live entertainment was provided by the band Bittersweet, completing a day of camaraderie and support for a worthy cause.

For more information about Blue Star Ranch and its initiatives, interested individuals can visit their website at BlueStarRanch.org.