California, Motorcyclists rev up engines for good cause

OFF THE WIRE
By Penne Usher
Telegraph Correspondent

Motorcyclists, including “Two Beers” from Foresthill, rode under sunny skies to drop toys and food Saturday at a donation event sponsored by the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club, chapter 121
Motorcyclists from all over the region rode to PJ’s Roadhouse in Placerville, bringing toys and food for those in need.

The Boozefighters Motorcycle Club chapter 121 of El Dorado County sponsored its fourth toy and food drive to benefit Toys for Tots and the El Dorado County Food Bank Saturday.

Bagpiper Lloyd Anderson of Carmichael, who has been playing the bagpipes for 14 years, greeted the bikers while “Santa,” also known as Jack “Shark” Gordan of Shingle Springs, accepted the numerous donations of dolls, cars, footballs and canned good.

“We do this for the kids and the food bank,” said Gordan, who rode with the original Boozefighters back in 1947.

George Keene Larsen of Grass Valley, who rides with the Capital City Motorcycle club, is a first-timer to the event.

“It was a great day to ride and we wanted to support the Boozefighters,” he said.

The Boozefighters motorcycle club was formed in 1946 by veterans fresh out of World World II. “Wino” Willie Forkner, who passed away in 1997, is recognized by the club to be the founder. Original members were at the Hollister incident of July 4, 1947, which was immortalized by the movie “The Wild One,” starring Marlon Brando.

Throughout the day nearly 100 riders dropped off donations, enjoyed a barbecue lunch and listened to live music.

“Two Beers,” who did not provide his real name, lives in Foresthill and is a member of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club chapter 6 out of Grass Valley.

“I’ve been coming here as long as they had this drive,” he said. “Why? … well kids need toys and people need food.”

El Dorado County District 2 Supervisor Ray Nutting stopped by to enjoy a grilled burger and give those involved a thumbs-up for their efforts.

“I’m here to show my support for the club and the work they do for the less fortunate,” Nutting said.

Sue Henderson, toy coordinator for the El Dorado County Toys for Tots program, was pleased with the amount of toys and food the bikers donated.

“We are doing great,” she said as she accepted more donations outside PJs. “This really makes an impact. I just wish we could do more drives with the (motorcyclists).”

In addition to the toys, food donations were accepted to benefit the El Dorado County Food Bank.

In 2009, food bank volunteers distributed more than $2.5 million of food for the hungry in El Dorado County.