Ride for Life Poker Run hoping to raise $20,000 for suicide prevention and awareness

BRUNSWICK — Brunswick resident Laura Martovitz made it her life goal to educate others on the signs of symptoms of suicidal ideation after her son died by suicide in 2008. Her goal of educating others led her to start a fundraiser called the Ride for Life Poker Run. "Our little run raises awareness one day at a time and one poker run at a time," she said. "It's all about educating people and making them aware that it could be happening in your backyard. It could be happening in the house that you live in with somebody in your family." The poker run is in its 13th year, and each year it has grown in size and raised more money, Martovitz said. The first event had 12 bikes and raised $900, and last year more than $12,000 was raised with nearly 100 participants. The goal for this year is to raise $20,000, and many local sponsors have already contributed to the cause, she said. Funds go to Frontline Service, which serves the Northeast Ohio area. "The money that we raise goes to their suicide hotline and their mobile crisis teams," she said. "Also, we help fund 988, which is a new nationwide suicide number, which we're very proud to be a part of." All vehicles are welcome to take part in this year's poker run that starts and ends at the Brunswick Veterans of Foreign Wars on Aug. 2. Participants will also make stops at the Barberton VFW, the Family Tavern in Brunswick, the Elyria VFW and the Columbia Station VFW. "Our run is usually about 100 miles," Martovitz said. "We go through three counties this year. I try to change the route up every year." Riders will receive a stamp at each stop, and stamped cards will be exchanged for playing cards. The person who has the best hand will win $150, and the person with the worst hand will receive $25. Tickets are $15 for a single rider and $25 for a couple. The cost of the ticket includes breakfast at the Brunswick VFW, lunch at the Family Tavern in Brunswick and dinner, catered by Mission BBQ, at the Brunswick VFW. A dinner-only ticket is $8, and it is served at 5 p.m. Sign-up is at 10 a.m. with the last bike out at 11:30 a.m. and the last bike in at 5 p.m. The event will also feature live music and raffles. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time, and donations can be made online at tinyurl.com/52fech6r. Those who are interested in making an in-person donation can also stop by the Brunswick VFW from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 2. Martovitz said it is important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation and depression because it may save a life. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ssft8y73. "I want to help another mother or father not go through what I went through of losing a child or anyone losing a loved one because they didn't know the signs and symptoms," she said. "My son had all the signs and symptoms, and I didn't know. Instead of kicking myself and going, 'What if I would have done this,' educate yourself and help somebody else." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.