EL RENO, Okla. – The El Reno community is organizing a poker run fundraiser to support the families of four victims tragically killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 40. The event is designed to bring the community together while raising money to help the affected families recover from this devastating loss.
Details of the Poker Run
The poker run will allow participants to ride or drive to multiple stops, collecting playing cards along the way. Once everyone has completed the course, the participant with the best hand will win a prize.
- Entry Fee: $25 per vehicle
- Vehicle Extension: $10 per extension added
- Goal: Organizers hope to raise $100,000 for the victims’ families
- Stops: Five family-friendly stops along the route
- Date: July 11, 2026
- Extras: Dinner and live auction following the run
Pre-registration for the event will be held at Adams Park in El Reno on the Saturday morning of the event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. All money raised from the fundraiser will be split between the families of the four victims.
Background on the Tragic Crash
The crash occurred when 26-year-old Michael Salomon Rosario-Cruz was driving the wrong way on Interstate 40 near Czech Hall Road in Yukon. His vehicle collided with another car carrying four people:
- Kiercy Hickson, 20
- Quincy Jones, 19
- Haliegh Salazar, 18
- Brad Palmer
All four passengers in the vehicle were killed. Authorities believe Rosario-Cruz was under the influence at the time of the crash.
This tragedy has deeply affected the community, motivating local residents to organize the poker run in a show of support and solidarity for the victims’ families.
How the Event Will Work
Participants in the poker run will visit five stops along the route, each offering a playing card. The goal is to create the best poker hand by the end of the route. The event will also include family-friendly activities, ensuring that participants of all ages can enjoy the day safely.
After the poker run, the community will gather for a dinner and live auction, providing further opportunities to raise funds. Organizers hope the combination of fun, competition, and community spirit will help reach their $100,000 fundraising goal.
Summary Table: El Reno Poker Run Fundraiser
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Poker Run Fundraiser |
| Location | Adams Park, El Reno, Oklahoma |
| Date | July 11, 2026 |
| Entry Fee | $25 per vehicle |
| Vehicle Extension | $10 per extension |
| Stops | Five family-friendly stops |
| Extras | Dinner and live auction |
| Fundraising Goal | $100,000 |
| Beneficiaries | Families of four crash victims |
| Background | Wrong-way crash on I-40 in Yukon |
The El Reno poker run represents a powerful example of community solidarity in the face of tragedy. Through participation, residents can honor the memory of the four young victims and provide meaningful financial support to their families. The combination of fun, competition, and charity ensures that the event will bring people together while addressing a critical need.
Community members are encouraged to pre-register and participate, helping to turn a heartbreaking event into an opportunity for hope, support, and connection.
