SANFORD -- Patrick Barnes, of Chatham County, has played a major role in the life of Central Carolina Community College. He served as a college trustee and on the college's Foundation.

Barnes, who also served as a member of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners from 2004 to 2008, passed away on April 11 after an extended battle with cancer.

In his honor, the Central Carolina Community College Foundation will sponsor The CCCC Patrick Barnes Memorial Poker Run on Saturday, June 13. One of Barnes' passions was touring the country on his motorcycle.

"Patrick Barnes was a loyal and faithful member of our college's Board of Trustees, in addition to his service on our college's Foundation board," said CCCC President Dr. T.E. Marchant. "We are appreciative of his service -- and his love for this school will continue to be felt through The CCCC Patrick Barnes Memorial Poker Run."

The CCCC Patrick Barnes Memorial Poker Run will begin at 9 a.m. at CCCC's Siler City Campus, then to the Chatham Campus in Pittsboro, the Lee Campus in Sanford, the Harnett Campus in Lillington, and conclude around noon at the new Dunn Campus. There will be food and snacks at each stop, with lunch served at the conclusion of the event.

Proceeds from the event will support CCCC's Veterinary Medical Technology and Motorcycle Mechanics programs.

A poker run is an organized event where participants, usually using motorcycles or other means of transportation, must visit five to seven checkpoints, drawing a playing card at each one. The object is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. The cost is $25 per card -- and people can buy as many as they want.

"Patrick Barnes loved motorcycle riding, he loved Central Carolina Community College, and his avid support of CCCC was always evident in his service as a trustee," said George Lucier, president of the CCCC Foundation. "The poker run is a fitting tribute to his life of service."

To register or for more information, contact CCCC Foundation Executive Director Emily Hare at 919-718-7230 or email ehare@cccc.edu, or contact CCCC Animal Facilities Manager and VMT Instructor Jonathan Loftis at 919-718-7465 or email jloftis@cccc.edu. Participants may also register on the day of the event.

The CCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with, but independent of, the college. It receives donations of money and equipment on behalf of CCCC and uses them to promote the educational mission of the college and assist students through scholarships and grants.

For information on giving to the Foundation, contact Emily Hare, executive director of the CCCC Foundation, 919-718-7230 or ehare@cccc.edu.

For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.