"Save the Girls" - Trenton Soroptimists' Motorcycle Ride

“Save the Girls” Charity Motorcycle Ride for Soroptimist of Trenton Area
Pat Bryan, SI of Trenton Area member/publicist

Memories of last year’s successful women’s sponsored motorcycle rally, combined with the fine weather, resulted in a great turn out of about 106 motorcyclists, many with riders. The enthusiastic bikers rallied for the Soroptimist International of Trenton Area’s eleventh anniversary charity motorcycle ride on September 6 at Biker Bob’s Harley-Davidson in Taylor. The women of SI of Trenton Area have previously raised over $150,000 for breast cancer research and other women’s cancer issues, domestic violence shelters, human trafficking awareness, contributions to downriver food pantries, and other service projects. Soroptimists worldwide work to improve the lives of women and girls through local and global service and donations. Displays and informational literature were available for the public about domestic violence shelters, human trafficking, and the Soroptimist organization and membership.

This year’s guest speaker, Benita Robinson, a student at U of M – Dearborn majoring in sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies, spoke from personal experience. Her story chronicled continuous childhood abuse and entering into an unhealthy adult relationship which included a death threat to her, followed by stalking and harassment. She calls herself a “survivor of domestic abuse, not a victim.” A variety of life’s difficulties continued as she entered college. Ms. Robinson explained, “I got a lot of second chances which a lot of women don’t have.” This ignited a passion to try to change the societal plague and promote equal opportunities for all. Ms. Robinson earned the local, district, and regional Virginia Wagner award. Judging is based on women attending a college or university with an effort toward scholarship, extra-curricular activities, and financial need. Benita was a member of many groups and other awards. She hopes to work in an advocacy program for abused and underprivileged women and children and then to attend law school. Her beautiful smile tells all: “I have the strongest support system possible.”

Soroptimist of Trenton Area has scholarship/needs awards applications. For more information, contact trentonareasoroptimists@gmail.com, naglenancy12@yahoo.com, or check your local cable station.

Other guests included Soroptimist regional officers Governor Vicky Hicks, Governor-elect Vivian Walczesky, Secretary Cindi Ames, and Past Treasurer Kathy Stiefel. Members of Soroptimist of Flat Rock and of Wyandotte/Southgate/Taylor also attended the fun event.

In addition to the ride itself, the registration price included a full buffet-style dinner and beverages by Veronica’s Catering. Two Timin’ Band provided the afternoon’s entertainment. The seven members have been together for a year-and-a-half, and all hail from the downriver area. Their great music can be heard at Toby Keith’s at Great Lakes Crossing as the opening act on September 25 and headlining on September 26. They will also play at the “Taste of Trenton” on September 21.

There was a silent auction comprised of sports prizes (Lions and Tigers tickets, and an autographed puck from Red Wings Darren Helm) and several specialty baskets. Other items included gift certificates to local businesses. A 50/50 drawing and a “Grill and Cheer” raffle rounded out the available prizes. The charity event also received several monetary donations from local businesses and individual contributions.

Police and the Motown H.O.G. Chapter Road Captains safely escorted the smiling bikers on the ninety-minute ride, after Senior Road Captain Larry Suban’s safety lesson. All participants received wristbands to qualify for a 10% discount of aftermarket parts and official licensed merchandise at Biker Bob’s.

Donna Fickeisen and Karen Collins, the motorcycle ride chairpersons, and the Soroptimists of Trenton Area are most grateful to the entire staff at Biker Bob’s, especially manager Chris Baxter and assistant manager Julie Sager, for their wholehearted assistance and attention to details to make this event such a success. The Soroptimists 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.