The first poker run to benefit the Erik Metzler Foundation will be held this Sunday, April 15.

Metzler, a well-known and liked figure in Cape Coral, lost his courageous battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig ‘s disease, at the age of 31.

The event will start at Pirate Coast Cycles in Cape Coral and end at Beef O’Bradys, running throughout Cape Coral, Matlacha and St. James City.

During the run, participants will get a card at each stop with prizes to be offered for the best and worst hand.

There also will be several raffles with great prizes.

All of the proceeds from the event will go to providing a scholarship to a college-bound Mariner High School senior athlete and the ALS Loaner Closet.

The city of Cape Coral renamed its Jr./Sr. Baseball League to the Erik Metzler Youth Baseball League in his honor. The Mariner High School graduate championed children and sports.

The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Riders are asked to register before 9:30 a.m. at Pirate Coast Cycles, which is at 941 Country Club Blvd. Cost for the poker run is $15 for rider and $5 for passengers. Both motorcycles and cars are welcome.

Organizers hope to make this an annual event.

Metzler’s mother, Gwynne Hickman, who many know from Cape Coral City Hall, founded the foundation and is an advocate for those with the disease. For more information on the run or the foundation, call Hickman at 246-2025.