FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BankAtlantic, Florida's Most Convenient Bank, announced today that BankAtlantic's "Banker Bikers" will ride in the Big Bike Riders Children's Foundation Fifth Annual "Celebration of Smiles" Ride 4 Kids Charity Motorcycle Ride benefiting the Broward Health Chris Evert Children's Hospital.
"The 'Celebration of Smiles' Ride 4 Kids has been called the best ride of any in South Florida by many participants, and it's a great cause for kids!" commented Ronnie Catronio, Chairman and Executive Director of the Big Bike Riders Children's Foundation. "Whether you ride your motorcycle in the charity ride, attend the festivities, or both, there will be a tremendous amount of fun and activities for everyone. And, it's all for a very good cause - putting smiles on kids' faces."
Over 1,000 motorcycle riders are anticipated to ride in the "Celebration of Smiles" Ride 4 Kids charity ride and thousands of attendees will enjoy great food, three live bands, a huge vendor mall, motorcycle drill team performances, stunt performances, and bike-builder displays. Further, the event activities includes a giant pre-event at the Broward Health Chris Evert Children's Hospital with free breakfast, music, vendors, and presentations by city and hospital officials.
"In 2011, the 'Celebration of Smiles' Ride 4 Kids charity ride raised much needed funds for the renovation and expansion of Chris Evert Children's Hospital right here in Fort Lauderdale," Mr. Catronio further stated. "Bikers from all over the country come to the sun and fun capital of the world to enjoy our great biker weather and beautiful scenery and we hope to see bikers from all around the state riding in the 2012 'Celebration of Smiles' Charity Ride 4 Kids."
Motorcyclists in the 'Celebration of Smiles' Charity Ride will enjoy a 55-mile east to west ride through Broward County, one of the best places in the country to ride! The opening ceremony, breakfast and registration begin at the Chris Evert Children's Hospital located at 1600 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, at 7:30 a.m. on March 4, 2012. The 55-mile charity ride, fully escorted by the Broward County Sheriff's Office, starts at 10:00 a.m. at the Chris Evert Children's Hospital and ends at Bru's Room Sports Grill in Coral Springs.
- To purchase motorcycle rider tickets online, please visit http://www.bikerscare4kids.org/BBRCF/events.html
- For vendor information, please call (954) 868-2113, or email prowindo@aol.com
- For additional "Celebration of Smiles" Charity Motorcycle Ride information, please call (954) 346-3343
"Bikers are all heart when it comes to helping children and they come out in support by the thousands. From bankers to bakers and everything in between, bikers know that helping the kids in our community is what it's all about," said Mr. Leo Hinkley, BankAtlantic's Communications Officer. "Throttle up! The 'Celebration of Smiles' Charity Ride 4 Kids is a 'must do' event for all bikers and you're invited! We are very pleased to Ride 4 Kids in our community and we hope to see you there."
About the Big Bike Riders Children's Foundation: The Big Bike Riders Children's Foundation (the "B.B.R.C.F.") is a Coral Springs based foundation and 501 (C) (3) Non-Profit. We dedicate ourselves to raising funds and in-kind donations for children less fortunate in our South Florida communities and to make a positive difference in the lives of our special children and their families. Throughout the year the B.B.R.C.F. plans and implements rides and events that benefit the children we serve which can be as simple as a hospital visit, offering rides to the kids on our motorcycles, to fund raising events and charity drives including our annual "Celebration of Smiles" charity ride, "Easter Basket" and 'Toy Drive." Overall, at the B.B.R.C.F., we love to ride our motorcycles, logging "Smiles Miles" and helping children in our communities. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, please call (954) 346-3343, email smiles@BikersCare4Kids.org, or visit www.BikersCare4Kids.org or http://bbrcf.com/ , or write B.B.R.C.F., P.O. Box 9663, Coral Springs, FL 33075.
About BankAtlantic:
BankAtlantic, Florida's Most Convenient Bank, is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida. Via its broad network of community branches and conveniently located ATMs, BankAtlantic provides a full line of personal, small business and commercial banking products and services. BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week and offers extended weekday hours, Online Banking & Bill Pay, a 7-Day Customer Service Center, Change Exchange coin counters, as well as retail and business checking accounts. Member FDIC.
BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE:BBX) is a bank holding company and the parent company of BankAtlantic.
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein.