On Sunday, May 6th, 2012, a group of 350 big hearted bikers hit the roads throughout the Tampa Bay area to raise money for local children’s charities. The bikers succeeded in this venture, raising $71,000 as they participated in the 8th Annual Credit Union Cruise for Kids Motorcycle Poker Run, sponsored by the Tampa Chapter of Credit Unions.

The bikers revved up their motorcycles at 9:30am that morning, making four “poker stops” at Tampa Harley, Harley of Newport Richey, The offices of Fran Haasch and Dunedin Brewery, before ending the ride at the Quaker Steak & Lube Restaurant in Clearwater, FL. There, people turned out for a post-cruise celebration featuring live music by The Jaded band, 50/50 raffle, bike contest, live auction and over 100 themed gift baskets. Bruce Koehler won the grand prize, a $10,000 VISA gift card, sponsored by Attorney Fran M. Haasch and Credit Union Remarketing Solutions. Koehler bought his ticket from USF Federal Credit Union.

Over eight years, the Credit Union Cruise for Kids has distributed over $420,000 to local children’s charities. This year the recipients were Metropolitan Ministries, Clothes to Kids, OASIS, Boys and Girls Club, Voices for Children, The Children’s Home, For Every Child, Make-A-Wish Foundation and All Children’s Hospital. “I want to thank our sponsors and everyone for their support,” said Sharmon Lenth, Credit Union Cruise For Kids Chairperson. “The money we raised is no easy task in this economy. To me, this demonstrates the commitment our participants and sponsors have toward our event, and the causes we support.”