By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer
Hoke Minton rocks long hair and rides a mean motorcycle. Little would an outsider know this tough guy harbors a soft spot for those in need — and was the man behind a poker run benefit Aug. 11 to benefit his former mother-in-law, Carole Perry, who has breast cancer.
Hundreds of family members and friends rode hogs and Harleys bar to bar during last weekend’s event. The six stops trailed from Seffner and ended in Plant City, where the motorcycle madness continued at Minton’s house. Pink shirts were everywhere, and Minton even painted his bike pink.
“That’ll be the last time you see it pink,” Minton says. “I’m not all about the pink. I’m not a pink bike-riding kinda guy.”
Perry, known to her family and friends as “Maw Maw,” was surprised at the turnout. She originally didn’t want a benefit in her name.
“It really blesses my heart, and I’ve had a lot of people tell me they’re praying for me,” she says.
The first benefit Minton did was for his former wife, who died in a car accident. Last weekend’s event was his second benefit. A family has since approached him on having a third for their 2-year-old girl, who is sick.
“I love it,” Minton says. “I love doing stuff for people and helping them. You’re probably going to see me doing it more and more.”
Minton is looking into getting a non-profit license so he also can get donations from businesses.
Perry lives in Brandon; Minton owns A & A Mobile RV Service in Plant City.
“We just wanted to try and support her,” Minton says. “She’s a kind woman who helps everyone.”
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.