‘Bikers for Babies’ raises $160,000 to fight premature births

FORT MYERS, Fla. — About 1,600 motorcyclists revved their bikes along a path between Collier and Lee counties Sunday in an effort to raise money to help premature babies.

The Bikers for Babies rally exceeded last year’s fundraising total even before it began, said event chairwoman Samatha Scott, who estimated Sunday that they’d brought in close to $160,000 for the March of Dimes.

“It’s incredibly heartwarming,” Scott said. “It really shows the power of this community and people getting behind a mission they care about.”

Bikers caravaned from North Collier Regional Park in north Naples to Six Bends Harley Davidson in south Fort Myers. The event disrupted traffic, but signs were placed in roadways several days in advance to warn drivers to take detours.

William Mobley, one of those who took part, said the 16th annual event helps enhance the perception of riders.

“We’re the good guys now instead everybody looking at the bikers as the bad guys,” Mobley said.