Who we are:
Benefit Riders of East Texas (BRET), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is an independent benefit driven motorcycle riding group that started on Facebook as East Texas Bikers in 2012. Our Facebook group, ETB, is a place for riders who are not in a typical organized motorcycle club to get together and ride. As the group grew and relationships were built we came to the realization that
we had the ability to help others in the community who are in need. None of the Board of Directors or Benefit Riders is paid for their time. We have three designated Board of Director’s, a Treasurer, Secretary, Media/Marketing Coordinator, Webmaster and a photographer. Two of our Benefit Riders are Patriot Guard Riders. Designated Administrators monitor our Facebook site. Today we have 5,514 Facebook members and that number grows every day. In 2016 we began seeking a non-profit status and by 2017 acquired our 501(c)(3) non-profit credentials. In doing so our goal is to make an even bigger impact on community needs in the East Texas area. What we do:
Our founders, Jacque and Michael Williams formed an elite focus group of 34 riders that we refer to as “The Benefit Riders”. These riders break into committees to coordinate our fundraisers. By 2013 we began sponsoring our own rides and benefits for various causes and the response was overwhelming. Our most recent fundraiser on July 8th 2017 raised $17,283 for our recipient, A Fern Norville Children’s Emergency Shelter in Kaufman who is primarily funded through donations. Approximately 115 bikes attended the event consisting of 150 or so bikers in total. This was their 12th annual fundraiser, hosted by bikers and BRET’S third time to host. This will continue to be an annual event that BRET coordinates and hosts. In years past we have raised well over $100,000 for our recipients. We have helped many cancer patients with money for travel, treatment fees and various other expenses. We serve as support for many other fundraisers both biker and non-biker focused non-profit organizations by attending and or advertising for their events. We have sponsored events in the past for those who have had a sudden illness that disabled them from working short term. When we do it:
We have to get a call or referral for help. The referral can come from numerous sources. Our Board of Director’s decide if the proposed referral can benefit from our efforts and if we can meet their goals. If approved then a committee is formed to strategize on event details and how to raise money. Why we do it:
Simply put, bikers have big hearts! We live life by a code and that code is “all bikers share a common bond, an unspoken code of ethics and behavior that transcended words and was built on actions”. We have the unique ability to band together as a group of likeminded individuals and help. We have the numbers and we can and do use our numbers for good. We are a family.
