When Cindy Goodman of Nansemond Insurance Agency took charge of the business’s annual charity event, she knew just what organization it would support.

“We’re doing it to raise money for Lou Gehrig’s disease,” Goodman said. “My mom died of it.”

Proceeds from the poker run and lunch Aug. 29 will be donated to the ALS Association for the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease. Last year, the agency held a spaghetti dinner to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Lou Gehrig’s is a debilitating disease that attacks the body’s muscles, Goodman said.

“It’s like it takes your body, but leaves your mind,” Goodman said. “It takes your muscles until you’re just a vegetable, but your mind stays intact. You know exactly what’s happening to you.”

Goodman’s mother started out with a limp, and eventually moved to a wheelchair, then to the bed, and finally lost her voice, Goodman said.

“It’s really bad, you know what’s going on and happening but can’t say or do or communicate,” Goodman said. Her mother was diagnosed in October, and died in April of the following year.

Saturday’s poker run will begin at 10 a.m. at 20251 Silo Lane in Zuni, and go through Windsor, Suffolk, Murfreesboro, N.C., north to Boykins and back to Zuni. The registration fee is $15 per bike, and $10 for a Nixon’s catering plate at the end of the ride. Live entertainment will be provided by Honkytonk Highway.

Registration as soon as possible is encouraged. For more information or to register, call 539-3421.