LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – Starting out as a music label that launched in 2003, collective nonprofit Ruff Ryders to the Rescue Foundation members began to include motorcycles and riding in the mix. Throughout the years, the motorcycle enthusiasts expanded nationally and internationally by spreading philanthropy in various neighborhoods. Eventually, chapters formed in Arizona like Tri-city Ruff Ryders in Mohave towns such as Bullhead City, Kingman, and Lake Havasu.
Concentrating primarily on charity work and family morals, the club is known for supporting students with back-to-school backpack donations, toy runs, clothing drives with various nonprofits, and highway adoption events. Their last adoption of Hwy. 68 happened just this past June in Golden Valley. Members came together to clean up trash in an effort to keep the area enjoyable and safe for its residents and visitors. Even though the group is all about outreach and lending their time and support within neighborhoods.
Joining is still similar to most motorcycle organizations. Initiation for Ruff Ryder memberships remains the standard ‘hang around’ or prospect phase. You can spend time with the club as a grace period intended for both potential members as well as the group to get a sense of whether or not it’s a good fit for everyone involved. What may appear to many as just a group of motorcyclists out on the town is more than likely the club’s ‘Bike Nights’ which happen in Kingman and Lake Havasu each Wednesday. The nights are designated for community-based charity work.
The team makes sure they stay in the know of surrounding fundraisers where they can offer the additional helping hands. The nonprofit includes a secretary that manages all the activities and meetings of the group. Currently, Ivy Angeli has been Tri-City Ruff Ryders secretary for the past 12 years. “I time all the meetings to make sure everyone is informed of any activities we have coming up and maintains a roster for things like birthdays of members so that we can celebrate them,” Angeli said.
It has been four years since Tri-City Ruff Ryders annual meetings have been seen in the community. The decision to have a comeback gathering in Lake Havasu was based on current members eager to explore boating and swimming options. If you want to meet the motorcycle team and learn more of their upcoming charitable adventures, the group’s annual rally will be a weekend reunion scheduled to take place Friday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 27 at Quality Inn Suites, 271 S. Lake Havasu Ave. More information about the designated time of the event can be obtained by visiting their Facebook page at Tri-City Ruff Ryders. According to Angeli, the group is big on friendship, family, and offering assistance to neighborhoods in need.
“Family and community is what we’re all about. We just enjoy being able to give back. We like to keep in touch with each other. That’s really the purpose of the annuals to get together. We’re just here to be involved in our community and help as much as we can,” Angeli added.
