Local Biker Group Raises More Than $400 for Local Boy with Leukemia
by James Coulter
Local bikers were able to listen to live music, buy law enforcement memorabilia, eat wings, and drink shots for a good cause. Not only did they have a good time, but they raised money to support a young boy with cancer and his family.
The Polk County chapter of Legion of St. Michael, a law enforcement motorcycle club, hosted a bike night at Tanners Lakeside on Friday evening. The event featured a live performance by the Conspiracy Theory Band, memorabilia sold by Ten-86 Outfitters, and specials including $1 wings and $ Jell-O shots. They even auctioned off a crossbow, several air pods, and a gift card for Old Man Frank’s.
Overall, the bike night event raised $425 to help cover the medical expenses for Luke Shaver, a 7-year-old boy from Bartow who was recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
A Facebook group, Fight Like Luke, was started a week ago to help garner financial and emotional support for Luke and his family. The page has since gained more than a thousand followers.
Upon hearing about Luke’s diagnosis, Eric Miner, the state boss for the Legion of St. Michaels, decided to host the shindig on Friday evening to help support Luke and his family.
Eric Miner’s father had passed away from AML, so he can empathize with Luke and his plight. He had the opportunity to meet the kid’s family over the weekend, and upon doing so, decided to gain support through the bike night.
“This kid is a fighter,” Miner said. “Being able to help is the biggest thing for me. Getting everyone out here to help and give the kid all that more inspiration…[We want to] do what we can to help raise some money.”
Another fundraiser for Luke will be hosted at Beef O’Brady’s in Lake Wales on Sat. Sep. 9 from 11 AM – 2 PM. A donation box will be present, and several gift baskets will be raffled off. To learn more, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/820840626112959
