By Deborah Speicher

One of my favorite events is the Credit Union Cruise for Kids. After registering and pulling our first cards at Brandon H-D, we were onto Tampa H-D. We then took the scenic route over the Howard Franklin Bridge to Jim’s H-D and then finished at Quaker Steak & Lube.

We arrived to the band Jaded jamming and the parking lot filling up with hundreds of bikes. I always have a good time at this event — once the ride is over, the party starts. They had a bike show, rockin’ bands, vendors, giveaways featuring two $5,000 VISA cards and some excellent gift baskets.

Congratulations go to the Florida Gulf Coast HOG and Shriners’ riding groups for the club challenge. They actually tied for the most participants and each will be awarded a first place trophy!

When all was said and done, it was announced that 355 riders participated in the event and $65,000 was raised. In the past nine years, this event has raised over $485,000! Not only do we get to enjoy a day of riding and socializing, but we make a difference for some of our youngest members of the community. All of the monies raised by this event are donated to Tampa Bay area charities that benefit children such as The Children’s Home, Clothes to Kids, the Boys and Girls Club of Hernando, All Children’s Hospital and the Make a Wish.

Join me next year and let’s cruise for the kids!