Helping find a cure: Wednesday night, the Brotha’s Keeper Motorcycle Club presented Jennifer Galbreath, program director for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, a check for $500. The money was raised by members of the club during the month of October. | Special to the Outlook

Bikers donate to cancer research

Published 7:08pm Thursday, November 4, 2010

Jennifer Galbreath, program director for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, was surprised when she received a phone call from Brotha’s Keeper Motorcycle Club recently.

“I got a call from (Brotha’s Keeper Sergeant of Arms) Greg Wright and he said, ‘Hey, we raised some money for your organization.’ We didn’t know anything about them, so I said ‘That’s great.’ Anything people do is great, but it’s really surprising for a group of predominantly men to do this,” Galbreath said.

“I asked them why they chose breast cancer research, and he said, ‘We all know someone who’s had breast cancer, so we took a vote and decided this is what affected the most of our members.’”

Galbreath said she traveled to Alexander City Wednesday to accept a $500 check from the club on behalf of the organization.

“That was truly incredible what they did,” she said. “It’s a small motorcycle club, and for them to raise $500 for us, well we didn’t expect it. They’re just the nicest group of gentlemen and ladies … we’re really excited about these guys from Alexander City.”

Galbreath said The Breast Cancer Research Foundation raises money for UAB specialists and research that stays in Alabama.

Wright said the club raised the money through car washes and raffle donations, as well as some personal donations.

“We started at the end of March and saved up for breast cancer awareness through the end of October,” Wright said.

The Brotha’s Keeper Motorcycle Club has been busy with other projects recently as well, according to president Fred White.

“We took a donation on Oct. 25 to the Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center,” said Dan Parrish, event coordinator. “We actually had a person donate around 200 to 250 new ladies winter sweaters that were still in the box, so we were able to give that as well as other winter clothes. We donated about 30 boxes to them.”

In addition, they recently raffled off $1 tickets for someone to win their choice of either a 26-inch HD TV or Netbook computer and proceeds will be used to buy toys for the Toys for Tots drive.

“It was in November and the winner was James Ware of Camp Hill,” said Andrea Penn, secretary of the motorcycle club.

White said the Brotha’s Keeper Motorcyle Club was formed by a group of local motorcycle enthusiasts in June 2007.

“We’re just trying to give back to the community,” Parrish said.

Published 12:00am Monday, October 1, 2007

When the term motorcycle club is heard, it tends to illicit mental images of rowdy gangs that hang out in seedy bars. For the members of the Alexander City-based Brothas Keeper Motorcycle Club, such images could not be further from the truth.

“We’re trying to show that it ain’t always negative,” Brothas Keeper public relations officer Demetrius Harrell said of motorcycle clubs. “We’re creating a positive club for kids.”

On Sunday, the club backed up its promise to be a positive influence in the community by donating $1,000 to the Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

“It’s thanks to groups like this that Children’s Hospital can continue to serve all the counties in the state,” said Alice Blake, spokeswoman for Children’s Hospital.

Harrell said the club, which was formed barely a year ago as a non-profit organization, has 14 members, half of which are members of law enforcement. The club is made up of members from Alexander City as well as from Dadeville, Camp Hill.

Trevor Grubbs, treasurer for the club, said his group raised the funds for the donation through various car washes in August and September.

“We’re not just people who get together and ride,” Grubbs said. “We’re active in the community.”

The club members made a sizeable donation to the Children’s Hospital, but they do not plan to stop there. Club member Anthony Hart said his group has several more community oriented plans in the works.

Hart said the club would have a presence at Alexander City’s Octoberfest this year.

“We’ll have the bikes out for pictures and we’ll be there as positive role models for kids,” Hart said.

Grubbs added that the club would soon be participating in the Toys for Tots program, raising funds to purchase toys for local children.

For Hart, the motorcycle club is a worthwhile endeavor that he hopes will continue well into the future.

“I’d like to see it grow,” Hart said. “Hopefully, we’ll get something to mentor kids at riding and take away the negatives.”

For more information about the Brothas Keeper Motorcycle Club, contact Trevor Grubbs at 205-821-5445 or visit their website at www.brothaskeepermc.com.

Published 12:00am Thursday, November 1, 2007

Several needy families throughout Alexander City will receive free turkey dinners this Thanksgiving due to the efforts of the Brothas Keeper Motorcycle Club.

The motorcycle club, which is a non-profit organization based in Alexander City, donated $300 to the Jehova Jira Ministries Tuesday. The proceeds will go toward the organization’s Thanksgiving Breadbasket Program.

Fred White, president of the motorcycle club, said the group held a raffle giveaway several weeks ago to raise the donation money.

“It’s something great for our community for a group … especially a group of men, to not only get together for fellowship, but to also put something back into their community,” said Jehova Jira Ministries Rev. Roderick Williams. “We really need people like that in this day and time. It makes Alexander City look good.”

Williams said the generous donation from the club would be enough to provide turkeys for approximately 25 families this Thanksgiving.

“It’s people caring about people,” he said.

The motorcycle club, which was formed barely a year ago, is made up of around 14 members from Alexander City, Dadeville and Camp Hill. Half of the members are local law enforcement officers.

The motorcycle club has been exceptionally busy this month. Just a few weeks ago, the club donated $1,000 to the Children’s Hospital of Alabama. The club raised the funds through several car washes conducted in August and September.

Though the club has just finished one fundraising activity, another one is in the works. The club is planning to participate in the Toys for Tots program by raising funds to purchase toys for local children.

For more information about the Brothas Keeper Motorcycle Club, visit their website at www.brothaskeepermc.com.

Published 12:00am Thursday, December 20, 2007

For several needy Tallapoosa County children, Santa will not deliver their toys by his usual flying, reindeer-drawn sled, but instead by motorcycle.

The Brothas Keeper Motorcycle Club, based in Alexander City, donated a large collection of new toys to the Tallapoosa County Department of Human Resources in Dadeville Wednesday for the organization’s Toys for Tots program. Brothas Keeper member Fred White said his club worked hard to gather the toys to give less fortunate children a merry Christmas.

“We purchased toys through fundraisers … through car washes in Alexander City,” White said.

In addition to the toys, White also donated a check to the DHR’s Christmas Club program. The money will be used to purchase other items on children’s wish lists that have not been donated.

Raphelia Forbus, service supervisor for DHR, said the club’s toy donation came at just the right time. She said there was recently some miscommunication between DHR and another group in which toys that were supposed to go to the department instead went to different charity organization. The miscommunication left a gap in the number of toys DHR needed.

“This is an answer to our prayers,” Forbus said of the club’s donation. “Now we can fill those that we were concerned about.”

Despite the slight miscommunication, Forbus said toy collections this year have gone extremely well.

“It’s unbelievable, people have been so wonderful,” Forbus said as several DHR workers were busily organizing a vast array of toys behind her. “I cannot complain about anything.”

Forbus said the toys typically go to children who are already under the care of DHR. However, DHR workers can also refer children for the Toys for Tots program.

“There’s no telling how many children we can help,” Forbus said. “It’s been a phenomenal year.”

The motorcycle club, a non-profit organization formed barely a year ago, is made up of around 14 members from Alexander City, Dadeville and Camp Hill. Half of the members are local law enforcement officers. Over the past year, the club has donated money to the Children’s Hospital of Alabama and bought Thanksgiving dinners for the needy.

“We’ve got some other things planned for the future … like to help the elderly pay their power bills,” White said. “Since the last few fundraisers have been for the kids, we’re trying to do something for the elderly.”

White noted that despite changing their focus, the club members would still participate in Toys for Tots next year.

“It’ll be bigger and better,” White said.

Published 12:00am Saturday, December 29, 2007

Local emergency responders and law enforcement agencies gathered together Saturday not to work a disaster, but instead to play a few friendly games of basketball.

Organized by the Alexander City based Brothas Keeper Motorcycle Club, the basketball tournament was held at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex to raise money for local senior citizens in need. In addition to members of the Alexander City Police and Fire Department, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department, the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force and the local Alabama State Troopers, basketball teams also had players from local churches, such as New Millennium Church.

“I think it’s turned out real well for our first time and for the short notice with it being Christmas time,” motorcycle club member Anthony Martin said of the tournament. “I think the next one we’ll have a real good turnout.”

To raise money, the club convinced several local businesses to sponsor the tournament. The businesses that lent a hand included Quiznos Subs, Mama Ella’s, Armour’s Funeral Home and Town and Country Cleaners. Each team had to pay $50 to register in the tournament, which added to the charity’s coffers. Spectators were asked to donate to the cause.

The motorcycle club, a non-profit organization formed just a year ago, is made up of around 14 members from Alexander City, Dadeville and Camp Hill. Half of the members are local law enforcement officers. Over the past year, the club has donated money to the Children’s Hospital of Alabama and bought Thanksgiving dinners for the needy. The club’s last charitable event was the donation of Christmas toys to the Tallapoosa County Department of Human Resources’ Toys for Tots program.

Lee Fennie, coach of the New Millennium basketball team, said he was glad to assist the motorcycle club with its latest charitable event.

“I think it’s good for the community,” Fennie said. “These brothers are doing a nice thing. We want to be a part of it and help out.”

Published 12:00am Friday, January 25, 2008

The Brothas Keeper Motorcycle Club in Alexander City made a $320 donation to the Tallapoosa Aid to People (TAP) Program Friday.

This donation was funded by a fundraiser basketball tournament the club hosted at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in December.

“This is more or less to help the elderly during the winter months. Some people might need a little money to go toward their utility bill,” said Demetrius Harrell, a member of Brothas Keeper.

The 17 members motorcycle club has only been in existence since June 2007, but it has already given money and conducted fundraisers for numerous Tallapoosa County charities and service organizations.

“We exist to help people. That’s what it’s all about, helping people out,” said Anthony Martin, another member of Brothas Keeper.

Gayle Humphrey, president of TAP, said the donation could not have come at a better time for her organization.

“This means a lot. The only way we get money is through the United Way and donations, so we appreciate and use everything we get … everything goes to people who need help,” Humphrey said.

During the winter, TAP helps individuals who may be having trouble paying their heating bills by paying some of the bill for them. However, TAP assists local residents in a variety of other ways.

“TAP doesn’t just help the elderly, it helps people in trouble,” Humphrey said. “It’s for anyone in the county in an emergency situation or crisis.”

Humphrey said TAP is successful because it pays money directly to agencies, not individuals. If an individual needed help paying a utility bill, TAP would give money to the city rather than the individual. This ensures the money is used for its intended purpose.

Last year TAP helped 711 people in Tallapoosa County. It is administered by the Tallapoosa County Red Cross.

Brothas Keeper Motorcycle Club is a federally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the Alexander City community.

“We’re people who want to give back to the community and be role models for kids,” Harrell said.

Published 12:00am Saturday, March 1, 2008

The Brothas Keeper Motorcyle Club in Alexander City spent Saturday afternoon washing cars and working with youth.The club planned a carwash to raise money for local charity and recruited help from local children who needed to do community service projects.

“They’re coming to do community service with us,” said Fred White, president of Brothas Keeper.

The club members mentored the children about doing something positive for the community while they spent time with them washing cars.

“It teaches responsibility,” said Anthony Hart, vice president of the club. “It reaches about giving back at an early age.”

Six children from different areas in Tallapoosa County were at the carwash Saturday, which was held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Advance Auto Parts.

White said the club will be doing the carwash every other Saturday from now through the summer.

The program is called “Keepers for Kids.”

“They seem to be having fun,” White said.

Published 12:00am Thursday, March 13, 2008

Women of the Light and Brothas Keeper Motorcycle club teamed up to help Benjamin Russell High School seniors get prepared for college Thursday night at the Cooper Recreation Center.

The first annual college bound seminar helped give BRHS seniors the information needed to prepare for college in several ways.

Cynthia Edwards, president of Women of Light organized the event in order to give students an accurate picture of college.

“We want to give the true story behind college life,” she said.

Reginald Clifton was one of the speakers at the event.

“I want to share some insight about my college experience to kids who may be the first members of their families to attend college,” he said. “I want to give them and their parents a heads up.”

Cindy Entrekin, director of financial aid at Central Alabama Community College attended the event to help students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms.

“Education is the most important thing that someone can attain,” she said. “Education is also expensive and I am here to help.”

Janice Washington, a BRHS senior, came to the event for help with her student aid forms.

“I seriously need help with the FAFSA,” she said. “I know how important it is.”

The Brothas Keeper Motorcycle Club donated refreshments for the event.

Fred White, president of Brothas Keeper said the club was happy to get involved.

“We got involved because we’re from this community,” he said. “We want to shed a positive light in the community.”

Published 12:00am Thursday, September 4, 2008

As Hurricane Gustav slammed into Louisiana, many evacuees watched from afar.

More than 100 took up shelter in Alexander City, and they are still here until it is safe for them to return home.

Many organizations and agencies have come together to make sure the evacuees have everything they need while they are here.

Those groups include the Red Cross, United Way, Salvation Army, Central Alabama Community College, Department of Human Resources, health department, 211, Brothas Keepers Motorcycle Club, BOAD, EMA, Community Action Agency, Southern Baptist Association, numerous churches and others.

We applaud all these organizations and agencies for all they have done to make the evacuees feel at home while they are in Alexander City.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we are proud to have such generous people in Alexander City.

Published 12:00am Saturday, September 6, 2008

The 100-plus evacuees who were being housed at Central Alabama Community College left Friday morning to return home.

The evacuees pulled out of the parking lot of CACC at 6:10 a.m. Friday to head home.

She said they began boarding at 5 a.m. and everything went smoothly.

Harris said the evacuees boarded the buses with diapers, baby food, snacks, juice and drinks for the ride home.

She said she knew the evacuees were appreciative of everything they were provided while they were here, because they bought cars and signed to thank the volunteers.

Among the groups those that helped the evacuees are the Red Cross, United Way, Salvation Army, Central Alabama Community College, Department of Human Resources, Alabama Health Department, 211, Brothas Keepers Motorcycle Club, VOAD, EMA, Community Action Agency, Southern Baptist Association, United Methodist District Conference, numerous churches and others.

The various groups and agencies provided everything from volunteer services to help moving equipment.

Harris said much planning was involved for the Red Cross to be able to provide a shelter at CACC.

However, the West Tallapoosa Chapter of the Red Cross is now in need of funds. All of the services provided to the evacuees were paid for out of the disaster relief fund.

Anyone wishing to contribute may make checks payable to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and mail them to 17 Main St., Alexander City, Ala. 35010.