Okc Poker Runs
Story Time -
Ok Poker Run
Adam Ely, an Army Veteran went from working on chinook helicopters to working on folks cars for free in his spare time. His wife Toni Ely, currently a B-52 Program Manager at Tinker AFB and an Air Force Veteran helps create the custom apparel and manages behind the scenes business. Adam and Toni started their non-profit, Hard Luck Automotive Services to help those in need. After being recognized by News 9 Karl Torp and received the News 4 Pay it Forward Award, Adam and Toni had their story ran by Sherie Ryder with the BBC and were featured in the Washington Post. With followers now in the United Kingdom and all over the United States, the word has spread like wild fire. In April of 2019 the couple got the surprise of their lives when Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs, surprised them for his new Facebook show, “Returning the Favor.” Their non-profit exploded over night and Hard Luck went from working out of the back of their truck to being gifted a shop in downtown Oklahoma City area for 2 years free of charge from Mike and his team.
So what help does the Hard Luck team need from their community? Come April 2021, our lease is up. So now, the crew is looking for our forever home. Teaming up with Litahni “Shawshank” Shawhan, a retired Navy Lieutenant and Monte Huffman a retired Army Warrant Officer, the Hard Luck team has never been stronger. NAPA Auto Parts is our official store here at Hard Luck, so not only are our customers getting their labor for free, but they are also getting their parts at a way discounted price for shopping at NAPA.
With continued coverage from the local news outlets, Hard Luck is reaching out to their community now. Tuesday, September 22nd 2020, Hard Luck was able to speak in front of the Midwest City Council Members. After giving them our elevator speech of what Hard Luck is about, we were granted a piece of property at no-charge in the Soldier Creek Industrial Park, off of 23rd street worth $250k. With an unanimous vote of YES, from the city of MWC, Ok. Hard Luck has officially found their forever home, but are needing the support and charity of others to continue doing what we do for our community. For the structure, building and permits Hard Luck is still looking at a hefty $250k to build our forever home. “We are just crazy enough to think we can pull it off,” quoted Adam after speaking with the council members. We raffled off a 2021 Indian Scout 60 in October, at a Poker Run held by Ride Oklahoma Charities “ROC.” All proceeds went back to helping Hard Luck recover from a break in back in July. We also held our first ever Cornhole Fundraiser Tournament at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park in MWC, which was a success. Between the two events we were able to raise a little over $20k to help fund our new building. We have lined up multiple events for fundraising and have support from our local city chairmen Robert Coleman. Due to Covid-19 and gatherings we are looking for new opportunities to continue our fundraising goals.
Okc Poker Runs 2019
“They’ve gained international attention with their mission,” said Midwest City Director of Economic Development Robert Coleman. Coleman said Hard Luck will have to prove its abilities to raise the money for their garage.
Oklahoma poker runs, rides, rallies, bike night. 866 likes 15 talking about this. Promote any biker related event here. Luck of the Draw Poker Run - Google My Maps. A Poker Run for Quilters- It's as fun as it sounds! ♦️♠️♥️♣️ ⭐️ Five shops Threads of Tradition-Yukon Sooner Quilts- Guthrie Prairie Quilt - Hennessey The Quilting Post -Stillwater Oklahoma Quiltworks - Oklahoma City ⭐️Three days Thursday, September 24 Friday, September 25.
Fortunately, up to this point, Hard Luck Auto has been able to survive through generous donations and the sale of our custom t-shirt line found under our Products tab.
“I like their chances,” said Coleman. And a glimpse of hope is really all we need.
This is a retirement job for these three veterans who find joy in giving back to their community. “The joy that they have when they leave here, that is what keeps us coming back every day,” said Ely about the folks that they help.
Every little bit helps. If you know a concrete guy, tell them our story or send them our way! If you know a window guy, tell him we need 10. Every donation no matter how big or small helps us get one step closer to our goal. Every shirt sold and every dollar collected puts another brick in the mortar.
Thanks for checking us out.
-The Crew at Hard Luck