Orioles host benefits for campers, friend
Good deeds are the bread and butter of these folks.
The Orioles, a fraternity of bike-riding servants of the community, had a busy week. First, it raised money to send children to summer camp. Then it became the starting point for a benefit for a man who recently lost a leg in a motorcycle accident.
Last week, the group held its annual fundraiser to send children who otherwise might not be able to attend to summer camp at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center for a week. Judging by the number of people who came to eat, drink and listen to some great music, the event was a success.
The Orioles were able to send 16 boys and girls to camp, raising more than $1,200 in the process.
“We do a lot of things throughout the year, donate money to buy people Christmas dinners and donate toys. It’s all charitable,” said Jerry Jordan, treasurer of the men’s association.
The event featured 50/50 raffles (with the winnings usually donated back), drawings for prizes and music from Preston and Straight from the Tap, a band that had broken up but reunited for this occasion.
“We just went our separate ways after being together for eight years and doing a lot of good for the town,” said Michael Gerig, the band’s lead singer, whose group had done many charity gigs. “We’ve never missed this event, so we wanted to be here.”
Many of those who attended came from the “Lost Riders” motorcycle club, a group of people devoted to using their two-wheelers for good, through fundraisers and other means.
On Saturday, more than 100 bikers and friends (and those on four wheels) arrived at the “O” to register for the “Fueling up for Aaron” poker run, an event to benefit Aaron Pfuhl, a biker who had to have his leg amputated after being hit by a driver who was allegedly under the influence in February.
The Orioles served as the starting point and the first place to pick up a card before the convoy went throughout Cape Coral to earn other cards, with the finish line being Mike Greenwell’s, where the best and worst hand got a prize.
At Greenwell’s there was music, great food, vendors, raffles for great prizes and a silent auction.
“People who ride side by side with Aaron saved his life,” said Lisa Terranova, chairman of committee for the Lost Riders. “We had more than 100 bikes plus cars.
“We’re helping a community member, who through no fault of his own was dealt a bad hand due to a drunk driver. He has lots of medical bills and rehabilitation and this is to help his family get ahead a little bit,” said Cat Severa-Meritt, national quartermaster for the Lost Riders.