Almost nine years ago, Jim Garner was listening to 97.9 WLUP FM when a morning show guest caught his attention.

Her name was donna Hinrichs (the lower case 'd' is correct) and she was the founder of the Bartlett-based group Clause & Effect, which matches needy people with volunteers during the holidays.

That year, Garner and some fellow motorcyclists had started a new chapter of the American Goldwing Association, based in Carol Stream. The group decided to work with Clause & Effect. They were matched with a single mother living in subsidized housing in Lake Zurich.

"We provided everything down to the Christmas ornaments," Garner said. "Everyone was quite touched, even a little teary."

After that day, chapter members decided to make charity a permanent part of their agenda. The group had recently held a successful poker motorcycle run to raise treasury funds. Garner said the group knew it could hold future runs to raise money for others.

"After we left that woman's house we talked about it in the parking lot and said 'Hey, we did that poker run and we've got a nice treasury. Let's see if we can help a few more people who need it in the holiday season,'" Garner said.

So the American Gold Wing Association Chapter H started the Christmas in July Charity Poker Run. Today the chapter will host its eighth annual run, which begins in Carol Stream.

And while some proceeds still benefit Clause & Effect participants, the group also gives funds to other families and organizations. Love Letters in Lombard, which sends letters and gifts to terminally ill children, is one beneficiary.

"It stemmed out from people who are just in need for the holidays to places where people in our chapter have connections," Garner said.

Last year, Christmas in July drew almost 200 motorcycle enthusiasts and the group raised more than $4,000. Although the event is hosted by the Gold Wing chapter, other motorcycle clubs like the Jersey Pine Cruisers regularly attend the run.

"It's something special within the motorcycle community," Garner said. "The community always supports one another. You'd be surprised how big the hearts are."

Poker run participants will ride almost 120 miles around the Chicago suburbs. Each rider will draw a card from a deck and will be handed a map of a scenic route. The riders will then check in at five check points, where they will draw a new card each time. If the rider doesn't like his or her card, it can be traded for a $1 donation.

"Then, like poker, at the end whoever has the best hand will win a cash prize," Garner said.

The ride will finish at the Medinah Park District where cyclists can eat, hear music and bid at a silent auction.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. in the parking lot on the southwest Corner of Army Trail and County Farm roads, Carol Stream. The first bike will depart at 9:30 a.m. and the last bike at 11 a.m. The last bike will arrive at 2 p.m. at the Medinah Park District, 22W130 Thorndale Ave., Medinah. All motorcycles and all clubs are welcome. The cost is $10 for a single rider; $15 for two riders on one motorcycle. Voluntary toy or a nonperishable food donations will be accepted. For details, visit the Web site www.christmasinjuly.org.

The chapter also accepts coats and clothing donations year round. For details or to arrange pick-up, call Jim Garner at (630) 462-7295.