About Us

Bikers For Kids, Inc. is comprised of many giving members of the community. These members give time, money and compassion to make this organization and Toy Run successful which then provides the needy children of the greater Visalia area with toys and items in need. These committee members combined with our sponsors help make a difference in the lives of thousands of needy children in Tulare County.

Committee Members:

Jerry Martin, Chair
Mary Dennis, Co-Chair

Phil Boucher
Sharon Carson
Flint Epps
Michele Martin
Jerry Numan
Charles Pimentel
Kim Shipley
Todd Shipley

Question about Bikers For Kids? See our Frequently Asked Questions.

HISTORY

In 1988 Tulare County Family Travelers club (which was established in 1977) and the 5th Chapter (a sober rider club) joined together to consolidate individual toy runs to get more participation. On September 18, 1989 the South Central Valley California HOG was chartered by four individuals and joined the toy run along with CMA (Christian Motorcyclist Association). In 1994 the South Central Valley California HOG was changed to Visalia California Chapter HOG under the direction of Sanders Motorsports.

Mary Dennis (long time member) was a member of TCFT when the Toy Run started in 1988 and a member of South Central Valley California HOG in 1989. Through the unselfish contributions of many local businesses, lots of volunteer hours, and local motorcycle groups, this event has grown from a few hundred participants to the now whopping 1,700+. Toy Run riders come from all over California.

Bikers for Kids, Tulare County Family Travelers and New Hope Riders want to recognize original founding member, Mary Dennis, for all of her many years of dedicated service to this organization. Mary began her volunteer efforts as a member of the Tulare County Family Travelers and volunteered with the 5th Chapter during the initial inception of this great event in 1989. Mary continues as a hard-working board member to this day. Mary reports that there are several “riders” who participate in our Toy Run that have also been participating in this event since the beginning.