Suicide Prevention For Vets Focus Of 2nd Coutts' Corner Poker Run
NORTH FORK, NY — When Nick Coutts, of Wading River, was badly injured in a motorcycle crash in June, 2019, he and his mom Tess were overwhelmed with gratitude by the outpouring of love he received from the community.
As his recovery progressed, Nick and Tess agreed that they would like to pay it forward every year; this year, they have organized the 2nd annual Coutts' Corner Poker Run for another family in need, she said.
"It's how our community does things. We leave no family down," she has said.
The 2nd Annual Coutts' Corner Poker Run takes place Sunday. This year's recipient is the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, a group that supports veterans and aims to raise awareness about the "alarming rate" of suicide among veterans, as well as foster suicide and PTSD prevention among vets.
Originally, a 22PAC kayak event was scheduled for June but was canceled due to the coronavirus.
According to the 22PAC.org website, the group's mission is to create an event that increases PTSD awareness and helps non-profit organizations reach community members in need.
"We want to show our fellow veterans that there is hope out there and with the right support, they can truly climb to glory," said Frank Lombardi, Independent Group Home Living Program, on the site. "They are true American heroes whose strength and perseverance can provide hope for the many veterans who need support to pick themselves up and show the world that they can do amazing things."
Registration takes place at 8:30 a.m. at the North Fork Road House, located at 9095 Sound Avenue in Mattituck; the last bike goes out at 10:30 a.m. The event features food, prizes and more and has a rain date of October 18. Masks, social distancing and all coronavirus protocols will be followed during the poker run.
Stops include the Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant in East Marion (first card), Sophie's Rest in Southold (second card), the Greenport Harbor Brewery in Peconic (third card), and the Broken Down Valise in Mattituck (fourth card). The fifth and final card and event takes place back at the North Fork Roadhouse from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The best hand wins $500, organizers said. The worst hand winds a $50 gift certificate to the North Fork Roadhouse.
"The money goes to our hero veterans of 22PAC, not Nick," Tess said, who has said their focus is firmly on giving back to others in need.
To register online, and purchase tickets, including a package that includes a free T-shirt, click here. Tickets cost $20 or $35; registration takes place at the door, as well. Shirts will cost an extra $5 on Sunday at the event.
"Ride it if ya got it! Anything with wheels works!" organizers said.
For additional information about becoming a sponsor or donating raffle prizes, email Tess at Tess.Nopper@gmail.com.
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