Soroptimist of Trenton Area's 10th anniversary motorcycle ride

Soroptimist  International of Trenton Area’s 10th Anniversary

                           Charity Motorcycle Ride

                  Pat Bryan, SI of Trenton Area member and publicist

Cloudy skies couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of a few hundred participants in the Soroptimist International of Trenton Area’s 10th anniversary charity motorcycle ride on September 7 at Biker Bob’s Harley-Davidson in Taylor.  The roar of the motorcycles revving up excited the onlookers into applause.  This women-sponsored motorcycle has previously raised over $150,000 for breast cancer research, domestic violence shelters, human trafficking awareness projects, and Soroptimist International of Trenton Area service projects.  Soroptimists worldwide work to improve the lives of women and girls through local and global service and donations. 

The focus of this year’s ride had a personal touch:  our guest speakers shared their stories.  Debbie Dingell spoke candidly of how breast cancer awareness has blossomed over the years and of a close male family member’s experience of the disease.  Taylor Police Chief, Mary Sclabassi, a five-year breast cancer survivor, told of her perseverance through several negative diagnoses with the gut-feeling that something wasn’t right.  “It’s not enough to be aware.  You have to fight.” Chief Sclabassi opted for and worked throughout the most aggressive treatments.  Surviving her cancer, she believes that we can face any other challenges that come along. She affirmed,  “We are women. . . we are fighters.”  Chief Sclabassi spoke highly of First Step and their collaboration wit the police departments.  Lt. Denise Powell of the Special Investigation Section of the Michigan State Police informed the audience about the various types of human trafficking.  “Lack of knowledge is a major factor” of why it continues to plague society.  “It will take law enforcement and the community to eliminate human trafficking, “ said Lt. Powell.

Informational boards and literature was available for the public about First Step (domestic violence shelter), human trafficking, and the Soroptimist organization.

Biker Bob’s Harley-Davidson Motown in Taylor was the site of this charity event.  The whole team at Biker Bob’s assisted Soroptimist motorcycle ride chairperson, Donna Fickeisen, and her committee in organizing and setting up for the full day’s events.  Chris Baxter, Biker Bob’s marketing manager, was instrumental in putting together everything needed for the event to run smoothly.  All participants received wristbands to qualify for a 10% discount at Biker Bob’s.  The Soroptimists of Trenton Area are most grateful to the entire staff at Biker Bob’s for their wholehearted assistance and attention to details to make this event such a success.

Special thanks to the Motor City Chapter and Motown Chapter H.O.G. groups.  Larry Suban, the Motown H.O.G. Senior Road Captain, organized the H.O.G. road captains to safely escort the hundred-plus bikers on the 55-mile ride.
Leading the way was a police escort.

In addition to the ride itself, the registration price included a full buffet-style dinner and beverages by Veronica’s Catering.   Zero Balance, a band that frequently plays at the Greek Town Casino, provided the entertainment. There was a silent auction composed of a golf package; a detailing package ; tickets to Tigers, Lions, and Pistons games; and several specialty baskets and gifts. Other items included gift certificates to local businesses. Raffles, such as a 50/50 drawing and a “cooler of cheer” rounded out the available prizes. The charity event also received several monetary donations from local businesses and individual contributions.

The Soroptimist of Trenton Area members appreciate the support of the community in their endeavor to raise funding and awareness of the issues so important to women’s physical, mental, and emotional health.