FRANKLIN—An annual poker run to benefit the 4-year-old daughter of a Franklin man who died of Lou Gehrig’s Disease will be held Saturday, Nov. 12, at Fred’s restaurant in Franklin.

Sign-ups for the fundraiser benefiting Kailee Pittman, who’s father, Michael Pittman of Franklin, passed at age 34 in July 2009, will begin at 8 a.m. with the ride beginning at 10. The cost is $10.

Riders will go through Southampton, Sussex, and Surry counties and end up at the ballpark in Sedley. At the ballpark, sign-ups will begin at 9 a.m. for Cornhole and horseshoe tournaments starting at 11. The fee for tournaments is $10 per player. Beginning at 12:30, homemade Brunswick stew will be available.

“If you have some free time on Saturday, please stop by and enjoy your afternoon,” said Kevin Pittman, who is Michael Pittman’s brother. “This yearly event has become a day to remember Michael and his infectious smile, as well as to spend quality time with our neighbors and family in a wonderful family atmosphere.”

“Maybe these gatherings are truly some of the ‘greater things’ Lou (Gehrig, for whom the disease is named) himself was hoping to see us do in his honor,” he added.

Michael Pittman was diagnosed with the disease in 2007.

“The same year that Michael was celebrating the arrival of his only child, he was also dealing with the nightmare of dealing with ALS,” Pittman said.

The Pittman family and friends held a fundraiser to help offset Michael Pittman’s expenses and support ALS. The benefit turned into an annual event to help Kevin Pittman fulfill a promise to his brother to make sure Kailee furthers her education after high school and to support research for ALS.

Kailee is also the daughter of Crystal Pittman, who after her husband’s death, moved back to Greenville, N.C.