Lee County biker club to host family day

Randy Burns / The Item Big Brothers and Big Sisters Bikers Club President Tony Wilson and members Diane Reddick and Don McQuillar talk about plans for the Youth Fun Day in the Park slated for Saturday at Garrett Field on East Church Street in Bishopville. Wilson said the event is the latest in a series of events designed to reach out to the community.

By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com

BISHOPVILLE – It's true love when it comes to the relationship between motorcycle riders and their bikes. But that doesn't mean there's no room in a biker's heart for others.

One local biker club wants everyone to know they also care deeply for the young and elderly of its community.

The Big Brothers and Big Sisters Bikers Club of Bishopville plans to show its concern through a Youth Fun Day in the Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Garrett Field on East Church Street.

Activities planned for Saturday include softball, volleyball, horseshoes and informal play on the playground, said President Tony Wilson.

“We'll also cook hot dogs and will have soft drinks for everyone,” he said.

Wilson said families are invited to attend.

“We would love to have 200 or more people here Saturday,” he said.

Wilson said Saturday's youth day is the latest in a series of events designed to reach out to the community. At Christmastime, the organization raised money to donate presents to one Lee County family and 19 foster children.

“We are a private group of motorcycle riders from the Lee County area who have joined together to promote bike safety and also dedicate themselves to be of service to mankind with an emphasis on the youth and elderly of Lee County,” he said. “At this event on Saturday, we plan to interact with the children, offering them an alternative to sitting in the house. We want them to come out to the park and enjoy activities that will encourage exercise and fitness.”

Wilson said the club has grown from 10 to 20 members since December. Don McQuillar recently joined the club.

“I've known about this club for some time,” McQuillar said. “And I knew they were always doing something for young people and I had to be a part of it.”

McQuillar said he is interested in changing the image of motorcycle riders.

“We know young people look at bike riders as people who like to go fast and have fun,” he said. “We want kids to look up to us as good role models.”

Wilson said club members have a responsibility to the community.

“We care about this community,” he said. “We were born and raised here. And I remember a time when we didn't have crimes here. We want to reach out to our young people.”

Diane Reddick, who has been a member since the club formed about two years ago, said being involved with it has a dual purpose for her.

“I love riding,” she said. “And I enjoy sharing that with others. I also love helping kids.”

For more information, contact Wilson at (803) 486-1180 or (803) 428-8899.

Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533.