What better way to spend a Sunday than on the back of a motorcycle enjoying Arizona’s landscape, all while benefiting sick and injured wildlife? Riders are invited to participate in the family-friendly “Bikers Soar for Wildlife Poker Run” on Feb. 8. The fundraiser helps with the care and rehabilitation of animals at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Center, and is hosted by the Center’s Auxiliary.

“This event is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy a day with your family, all while helping raise money for wildlife rehabilitation and education,” says Sandy Cate, coordinator of the Wildlife Center. “The whole family is sure to have fun with a variety of activities, including the poker run, plus wildlife exhibits, a live band and a raffle for prizes.”

Riders will enjoy 130 miles of scenic Arizona, beginning at Ridenow Powersports at 15380 W. Bell Road in Surprise and ending at Pioneer Living History Village at 3901 W. Pioneer Road in Phoenix. Pioneer Living History Village is a reproduction of an old Western town from the 1800s. Throughout the route, riders will stop at designated locations to collect a playing card, with the best hand of five cards winning a prize at the end of the ride. Even the non-riders in the family can partake by joining riders after 1 p.m. to enjoy the activities at the final destination.

The tax-deductible cost to participate is $25 per rider or $35 per rider and passenger, with a ride pin and lunch provided to all registered riders. The first 300 registrants will receive a free event T-shirt. Registration begins at 8 a.m. For more information and to register, visit the Wildlife Center’s volunteer auxiliary Web site at www.azwildlifecenter.net or call (623) 587-0139.

Founded in May 1983, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Center treats more than 1,000 sick and injured animals annually, and provides wildlife education to local schools and outreach to community groups. The center’s mission is carried out with a small budget from the state’s Heritage Fund, making fundraising an important contributor to the care of the animals.

The Heritage Fund, a voter-passed initiative, was started in 1990 to further conservation efforts in the state, including protecting endangered species, educating children about wildlife, helping urban residents to better coexist with wildlife, and creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation. Funding comes from Arizona Lottery ticket sales.