Motorcycles and motorcycle rallies have always gone hand in hand with charitable organizations.  Many of the most popular events at rallies like Thunder Beach benefit various charities around the area. Poker Runs, a perennial favorite, are all done with the purpose of helping those less fortunate than you and I.  The staff of Thunder Beach salutes all of the charitable organizations and the many bikers & enthusiasts that give back so much to our community!

Cops For Kids
One of the highpoints of every Thunder Beach rally is the gathering of hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts for the Kevin Kight Memorial Parade. The event has special significance to the Panama City Beach community as it serves to memorialize a fallen local hero and provides much needed assistance to deserving children in the community.  

The parade is named in honor of Kevin Kight, a Panama City Beach police officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty while making a traffic stop on Front Beach Road on March 27, 2005. A small stone plaque now stands at the spot where Kight was killed. He leaves his wife Christina and his seven year old son, Brandon. Parade participants and onlookers alike band together at the event to raise food and monetary donations that are given to local food banks serving needy families throughout the Bay County area through the Cops and Kids program.

The Parade always occurs on each Saturday during the spring and fall events. The festivities kick off at 11:00 as riders line up on Middle Beach Road just west of Beckrich. All are welcome to participate in this moving and worthwhile event.  

The Shriners
The Shriners are committed to community service and have been instrumental in countless public projects throughout their domain.  Most notably known for building and supporting the Shriners Hospitals for Children,  a network of twenty-two hospitals in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Originally built to treat young victims of polio, but as vaccines improved, the Shriners  expanded to help other sick children . A giant portion of their work involves pediatric cases, most especially with orthopedic injuries and terminal diseases and burns.  There is never a charge for medical care regardless of race, creed, or national origin.  Thunder Beach is proud to be associated with such an organization and is happy to have them as a sponsor of one of the Poker Runs as well as the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Show.

ABATE of Florida

ABATE stands for A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments. The most current definition is American Bikers Aimed Towards Education. ABATE was originally founded by Lou Kimzey of California. The concept has since spread across the nation. Most ABATE organizations are run on a state level with various chapters of regions participating therein.

Who can join and why?

Any individual 18 years of age or older interested in motorcycle rights, regardless of their race, sex, or club affiliation. It doesn't matter what you ride or even if you ride. To join ABATE ensures your motorcycle laws will be heard.

Goals and Purposes of ABATE

• To print a newsletter to keep all bikers informed in regards to legislative actions and events around our state and throughout our country.
• To become a powerful and viable political force in legislative matters concerning all motorcyclists rights.
• To promote voter registration and motivate members to write their legislators.
• To promote safe riding habits without infringing on the individual's rights.
• To educate the public about motorcycle awareness.
• To provide a lobbyist to represent ABATE OF FLORIDA, Inc. at state and national levels.

How does ABATE accomplish its goals?

ABATE OF FLORIDA, Inc. is: a non-profit, grass roots political corporation composed of local chapters that have been organized by motorcyclists to promote a positive image through local, civic, charitable and benevolent causes; pooling resources for the common benefit of the members and promoting political awareness. ABATE collects, processes and exchanges information that may concern you or substantiate our views and places it in your hands through a newsletter or by other means.

Join the “Thunder Angels” of Panama City for a
Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser
at Campers Inn
8800 Thomas Drive
Across from Spinnakers Beach Club

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
BBQ  Plates

Food – Music – Raffles
Raffle Drawing at 4:00 PM

Thunder Beach Girls’ Bikini Bike Wash
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

“Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”
Let’s make Breast Cancer a thing of the past!