KDXU listener enjoys Vanderhall ride as Poker Run benefits charities

ST. GEORGE – There were a lot of winners Friday night at the annual Red Mountain Poker Run. Benefiting from the money raised were three major charities – Root for Kids, Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) and Operation Underground Railroad.

Another big winner at the well attended event was KDXU listener Trent Smith. The 35-year-old electrician from St. George won a prize package that included dinner packages at Hash House a Go Go, Koral Kafe, Magleby's and Port of Subs, plus a package to protect his car from the ClearBra company. And perhaps his favorite prtize came when the Poker Run started. Smith was able to drive the three-wheeled sensation Vanderhall, along with KDXU morning host Andy Griffin and Open Road Motor Sports owner Dave Parduhn, in the 73-mile Poker Run.

The event began at Root For Kids on Tonaquint Drive in St. George, traversed out to Gunlock Reservoir, then over to Veyo, back to Brio Homes in Washington, over to Leeds Market and then finally concluding at Coral Canyon's Koral Kafe. Each stop, competitors drew a face card in an effort to compile the best poker hand. The winner received $250 cash, while the player with the worst hand got $125. Ironically, Smith came up with the worst hand and was able to pocket the cash, later spending some of it on a Vanderhall hat.

"I'm lucky in golf, but I'm not usually this lucky," Smith said. "It's been an unbelievable day, and an almost indescribable ride in the Vanderhall. Thank you all so much!"

Smith drove the Open Road rental Vanderhall, while Griffin captained the OR black Vanderhall and Parduhn piloted the freshly painted orange and black Vanderhall Venice.

KDXU news director Craig Bennett accompanied the Poker Run in the Cherry Creek Media "Dave FM" truck.

More than 40 rider competed in the Poker Run, with classic cars and high end motorcycles dotting the southern Utah highways and byways.

Dozens of prizes were also given away at the final stop in a raffle.

"It was an amazing evening," Griffin said.