- May 5, 2026
This year's Saddle Up for St. Jude fundraiser in Ormond Beach raised a record amount of money for children battling cancer and other serious illnesses.
The fourth annual poker run, held in partnership between Iron Horse Saloon and local law firm Rue & Ziffra, took place on April 4. The check, touting a total $126,128 raised, was presented to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on Tuesday, May 5, at the Iron Horse Saloon.
The fundraiser was organized by Sherry Fletcher, who was inspired to restart the poker run four years ago after her sister-in-law's nephew was held by St. Jude as he battled cancer. Plus, she had just learned that Iron Horse used to hold an annual fundraiser in the past, but the effort stopped when the organizer died.
"When I heard that story, I went to a couple of my friends, and I asked them, 'Would you like to join me in doing this?'" Fletcher recalled. "And they all were 100% in and it was just amazing."
This year, 345 riders took part in the poker run, one of whom was Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie. Sen. Tom Wright also made an appearance at the fundraiser.
Every year, Fletcher said, the funds raised have increased. The first poker run raised over $40,000.
About 40 people volunteered their time to the fundraiser, she added. It's a group effort.
Dawn Barrack, from St. Jude, attended the check presentation at the Iron Horse Saloon. Thanks to fundraisers like this, families who come to St. Jude don't have to worry about paying for medical treatment and necessary travel. They can focus on their child.
"This donation is really giving many more hopes for many more tomorrows for those families," Barrack said.
There are many great causes for communities to rally around, so the fact that this group is focusing on St. Jude is amazing for the families they serve, Barrack added.
"You look at all these individuals — the passion they show, the love for the organization and the smiles on their faces just show that they put their hearts to everything they do," Barrack said.
Seeing the community come together to help St. Jude gives Fletcher a "warm feeling," she said. It's not just the biker community coming together, either. People took part in the activities at the Iron Horse and some participated in the poker run in their cars.
"It's so beautiful to see a community come together to help these families," Fletcher said.
