Zack Shannon died from cystic fibrosis in March. He was 24.

Over the past few years, a motorcycle benefit has helped individuals and families in need by paying funeral costs and medical bills and by establishing scholarship funds.

This year, the sixth annual Saeler-Solkovy Memorial Poker Run had its most successful turnout ever. It raised more than $30,000 in memory of Zack Shannon, who died from cystic fibrosis in March. He was 24.

His widow, Liz, of Cabot, will use that money to help pay for medical and funeral costs.

“Everyone that was there went above and beyond to help,” said Dan Saeler, of Butler, who has organized the event every year with the help of family and friends.

From bars to police and fire departments, Saeler wanted to thank everyone.

The poker run began after Saeler’s brother died in 2008. Struggling to pay funeral costs, the family planned the poker run and it has grown every year.

“It just doubles every year,” he said. “I don’t know how I can make it any better than it was this year.”

This year more than 500 motorcyclists signed up in advance of the Aug. 17 ride. Others signed up that day.

Participants rode to about a half dozen locations in Butler County for the benefit run.