BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton chapter of the Renegades motorcycle club delivered a truckload of Christmas gifts to the Drift In bar on Dec. 19.
The Renegades brought Christmas joy to three local families who will now have many presents to open on Christmas day.
Renegade Jay Dash said, “We’re dropping off presents for six kids and three families. It’s always good to give back to the community.”
This year’s recipient families were Fritzner Dessame and his children, David and Davena Dessame; Trina Carnegie and her child, Tradyn Lopez; and Mackenzie Morgan and her children, Vayda, River and Remington Anasis.
The Renegades have been assisting families at Christmas for nearly 20 years and have partnered with the Drift In for the past six or seven years. The Renegades received $5,300 in monetary donations this year from local bar and businesses patrons that included Drift In patrons.
The Renegades begin their annual holiday fundraising efforts in late October.
The annual gift giving efforts are a tribute to Suzie Miller, the late mother of Renegade member Tim “Chopstixxx” Miller and his brother and fellow Renegade, Dave Lee, who’s currently not living in the Bradenton area.
“Twenty-four years ago today, my mom passed away in a motorcycle accident. We do this for her,” Miller said. “We find a family or families with no affiliation to us, we get a list of what kids want or need and we go to the local bars to get donations to buy the gifts with; and the Drift is one of our biggest supporters. The wives and girlfriends go shopping and we have a big wrapping party and everybody comes over and wraps presents all night.”
Miller said the children of the Renegade members help with the annual gift giving efforts and that instills in them a desire to give back to the community and help the less fortunate.
“This year, two of our families have special needs children and we’re able to help them out with stuff they need for school too,” Miller said. “They’ll open one or two gifts tonight and take the rest home to open on Christmas Day. We’ll provide them with meals during the holidays too.”
Drift In manager Doreen Flynn said, “I’m so excited that they collected enough money to give Christmas presents to three families. I’m so proud of them.”
She said Drift In patrons started filling the donation jar in mid-November and donated quite a bit of money.
“We have always been the family bar and we like to donate and get involved here on the Island,” Flynn said.
Drift In owner Derek Williams said, “We’re glad to be a part of The Renegades long-standing tradition of supporting local families in need. We want to make a difference in our community.”
“Thank you to The Renegades for making this Christmas extra special,” Mackenzie Morgan said.
“Thank you so much, God bless and Merry Christmas,” Trina Carnegie said. “Christmas definitely wasn’t on the list this year but these guys made it possible.”
“Thank you so much. We appreciate it, and Merry Christmas,” Fritzner Dessame said.
Renegade "DP" made friends with River Anasis - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Drift-In General Manager Steve Gulash held Remington Anasis. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Tradyn Lopez, Santa and Trina Carnegie enjoyed a holiday moment. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Fritzner Dessame, Santa, David Dessame and Davena Dessame - Joe Hendricks | Sun
Santa visited with Vyada, Remington, Mackenzie and River. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
These were just some of the gifts delivered by the Renegades. - Joe Hendricks | Sun
