5^th Annual Credit Union Cruise for Kids Motorcycle Ride Raises Nearly $30,000 for Donation to Local Children’s Charities

TAMPA, FL – On Sunday, March 29^th, a gang of 190 bikers hit the roads throughout the Tampa Bay area, out for money – to raise money, that is, for local children’s charities. And the bikers succeeded in this venture, raising nearly $30,000 as they participated in the 5^th Annual Credit Union Cruise for Kids motorcycle poker run, sponsored by the Tampa Chapter of the Florida Credit Union League (FCUL).

The gang revved up at 9:30am that morning, with the bikers making three “poker stops” at branches of participating Credit Unions, before ending the ride at the Quaker Steak & Lube Restaurant in Clearwater, FL. There, approximately 600 people turned out for a post-cruise celebration featuring live music and giveaways.

Mrs. Melanie Craig won the grand prize, a 2008 Yamaha V-STAR Classic 1100 motorcycle from Cahill’s Yamaha. Mr. William Rickard won a 4-night stay in Moose Creek Crossing Cabins, a biker-friendly resort in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Over five years, the annual Credit Union Cruise for Kids has raised a total of $190,000 for donation to organizations which nurture children, such as The Children’s Home, Clothes to Kids, the Boys and Girls Club, The Ronald McDonald House, as well as All Children’s Hospital and the Pediatric Cancer Center.

“I want to thank our sponsors and everyone for their support,” said Sharmon Goins, President of the Tampa Chapter of the FCUL. “The money we raised is no easy task in this economy. To me, that demonstrates the commitment our participants have toward this event, and the good causes it supports.”

About the Florida Credit Union League

The Florida Credit Union League is a Tallahassee, Florida-based statewide trade association offering a myriad of services focused on meeting the current and future needs of Florida’s credit unions. Membership dues-supported services include education and training, political action, compliance support, information and more. The League also provides access to a variety of financial services-related products through their wholly-owned subsidiary the FCUL Service Group, Inc.

Set for Sunday, March 29^th, 2009

TAMPA, FL – No, the gang of bikers who’ll soon be cruising the roads of the Tampa Bay area won’t be out raising, well, you know. What they will be raising is funds for donation to local children’s charities. Sponsored by the Tampa Chapter of the Florida Credit Union League (FCUL), the 5^th Annual Credit Union Cruise for Kids is set to rev up on Sunday, March 29^th, rain or shine.

Starting at 9:30am, the bikers will make three “poker stops” at branches of participating Credit Unions, where they’ll pick up their poker hands, before making their final stop around mid-day at the Quaker Steak & Lube Restaurant in Clearwater, FL. There, participants will be entertained by the Greg Billings Band, and Brent from radio’s The Bubba Show.

For the $20 entry fee, all participants will have a chance to win a 2008 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Rave Classic motorcycle, or the secondary prize, a 4-night stay at Moose Creek Crossing Cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge, TN. The post-cruise celebration will also feature door prizes, a biker club contest and a $5 chance drawing.

The previous four Cruise for Kids poker runs have raised a total of $160,000 for donation to organizations which nurture children, such as The Children’s Home, Clothes to Kids, the Boys and Girls Club, The Spring, the Ronald McDonald House, as well as All Children’s Hospital and the Pediatric Cancer Center.

“The current economic downturn is hitting charitable organizations especially hard,” said Sharmon Goins, President of the Tampa Chapter of the FCUL. “So I’m very pleased at the enthusiasm all the participating Credit Unions are bringing to this event. We simply can’t ignore those organizations that are devoted to caring for the smallest members of our communities.”

About the Florida Credit Union League.

The Florida Credit Union League is a Tallahassee, Florida-based statewide trade association offering a myriad of services focused on meeting the current and future needs of Florida’s credit unions. Membership dues-supported services include education and training, political action, compliance support, information and more. The League also provides access to a variety of financial services-related products through their wholly-owned subsidiary the FCUL Service Group, Inc.

As in prior years, the 2009 Cruise For Kids will take place rain or shine.

Look for updates on the ride and availability of raffle tickets at www.creditunioncruiseforkids.com