Sonora, CA…The 3rd annual Evan Walker Memorial Poker Run will be held September 15, 2018 at the Sonora Moose Lodge #2183 to raise funds for special education programs in Tuolumne and Calaveras County schools. To date the run has donated $7500.00 to local schools for their special education programs and needs.

Currently 50.2% of Calaveras County school children are recipients of free or assisted lunch and bussing programs, with Tuolumne County children right behind at 46.3%. Programs are being cut left and right for extracurricular activities such as music and art, but when budget cuts hit sometimes those who need extra help the most pay the price, especially when special education programs are cut or reduced due to lack of funding.

The run is named after Evan Walker, a one-time student at both Soulsbyville Elementary and Summerville High School who suffered for years with ADD. Expelled from multiple schools before his 8th birthday while attending Soulsbyville Elementary he was finally diagnosed with ADD and placed on life changing medication. He excelled in school and sports and was on the fast track to NASCAR fame as a west coast legend car racing champion.

At the age of 19 he and his best friend decided to join the United States Army and serve their great nation. At the time he was told that he may not qualify to serve if he was on any medications. Unbeknownst to his parents he stopped taking his medication and subsequently made an irrational decision that took his life.

Evan Walker passed away September 13, 2003 as a result of a high speed motorcycle accident. His family does not want this to happen to any other parent.

The family’s wish is that parents with children in Tuolumne and Calaveras County schools who may have questions or concerns about ADD of ADHD have not only access to an education for their child but also access to information to help guide them.

Poker run registration begins at 9:30, kick stands up at 10:30. The route travels through Tuolumne and Calaveras counties and ends back at the Moose Lodge with food, fun and great tunes provided by the Rusty Rockers.