Poker. Motorcycles. Charity.

The fifth annual ‘Ride for Alex’ poker run attracted more than 30 motorcycles and 50 riders for a charity ride benefiting Alex Pateakos, a second-grader at Sippican School who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type One. SMA is a neuro-muscular disease that affects the ability of the brain to communicate with the muscles.

Riders participated in a 75-mile roundtrip ride starting at Old Rochester Regional High School collecting poker cards at designated stops around the area. The rider with the best hand would then be awarded a $100 cash prize.

Dartmouth residents Scott and Tammy Foisy started the event after Tammy became one of Alex’s nurses.

“This child is a part of my heart forever,” she said. “We’ve been on motorcycle runs in the past for other charities and just thought, ‘Why not for Alex?’” She added $14,000 has been raised in the past four years and the proceeds help the Pateakos family pay for transportation and medical expenses not covered by insurance, as well as the Families of SMA research group.

“From the beginning, we wanted to make this kid-oriented and not just another typical biker event,” Tammy said. “Alex is only seven, and we want to make sure he has fun too.”

Scott said the first event had only four bikes and has significantly grown over the years.

In addition to those on motorcycles, the event was open to the public. Raffle tickets, t-shirts, and food were available for small donations. Sponsors such as the Minuteman Harley-Davidson Shop from Dartmouth provided motorcycle information for those attending. There was also a chainmail jewelry stand selling bracelets, necklaces and even beer bottle cozies.

Marion residents Jay and Jenessa Pateakos, Alex’s parents, said the annual event has meant so much to them.

“It’s awesome,” Jenessa said. “It’s a reminder of all the family, friends and even the community that is willing to support us. Alex affects people deeply. Once he’s been in their life, he stays there.”

Quite a crowd gathered in the ORR parking lot for some fellowship and bike gazing. Many people took part in the raffle stocked with prizes such as Red Sox tickets and a horse riding trip at Martha’s Vineyard. Tammy Foisy added all items in the raffle were donated for the event.

Marion resident Sherman Briggs Jr. said this was his fourth time in the event, and had fun despite the chilly weather.

“The ride was very enjoyable,” he said, “but my poker hand was lousy.”

New Bedford resident John Sladewski was the lucky winner of the $100 with a king-high flush.

“I’m friends with Jay and Genessa, and it’s a good benefit for Alex,” Sladewski said. “I started going last year. I like riding motorcycles regardless and this is a fun ride.”