GCON Gives held its first annual Fall Poker Run on October 28, 2022. GCON team members Jason Ward and Thomas Bernard started GCON Gives in 2021 with the hopes to utilize the force that GCON is to give back to the communities that we work in every day. 100% of proceeds made through GCON Gives goes to grants, scholarships, and our communities. This year they were able to raise over $30,000 that was donated to the family of Chris Messick, a GCON employee who sadly lost his life over the summer. 

The day began before sunlight as GCON volunteers worked hard to get everything ready for the 7 am check in time. Love Bus Coffee Co. served participants hot coffee as they slowly began to roll in with the sunrise. Breakfast burritos were provided courtesy of the Pendergast Elementary School District’s catering service, Charlie’s Café. With over 90 people participating and 20+ volunteers, 37 side by sides set off into the desert for a 25-mile course. While it was not a race, participants were encouraged to stop at different checkpoints where GCON volunteers were stationed with various poker games. Once you reached the end of the course your cards were counted to determine your winning (or losing) hand. Once they returned, lunch was sponsored by Rolling Plains Construction and catered by Tom’s BBQ. A raffle was then held with prizes including Phoenix Suns tickets and custom-made cutting boards.

A special thank you to all sponsors including New River Off Road Rentals, Three Phase Electric, CORE Construction, Progressive Roofing, Wall Assemblies, Veregy, The Miller Family, GoTo Services, Pueblo Mechanical, Wholesale, Classic Roofing, Musco Lighting and Sunland Asphalt.

GCON Gives looks forward to hosting its next poker run in Spring of 2023. To learn more visit gcongives.org.