Shriners hold bike run to help defeat diabetes

ALBANY — National Shriners clubs are well known for their children’s hospitals. In January they expanded and pledged to raise a million dollars a year for a decade to fight diabetes.

Joining in the fight, Albany Al Rakim Temple 142 started raising money to donate with a motorcycle ride Saturday.

“I’m a nurse and I have diabetes, so the illness touches me in a personal way,” said Lisa Jenkins, known by her Precious Gems club name Emerald. “This is a good way to have fun and donate money to a good cause.”

All in all, the day was about camaraderie for a good cause among motorcycle club members “who have a passion to ride,” said Michael David Chappel, illustrious potentate of Al Rakim Temple 142.

The event attracted 26 riders from four clubs: Unique Ryders, Southern Princess, Viper Unit and Precious Gems.

Each rider paid $15 each for the privilege of riding 75 miles from Albany through the surrounding towns and countryside.

“This was our first ride for diabetes. It is just the start. We will get the word out and have more riders at the next one,” Chappell said. “All the money goes to the American Diabetes Association.”