By Mike Kinney
An all-female motorcycle club treated a group of 19 Richmond girls to a full day of fun on Saturday, including a brunch at Huckleberry Restaurant in Benecia, spa day and a visit to the Jelly Belly Factory.
For over a decade, Baypoint-based Knyte Ryderz has partnered with the Bay Area Girls Club at 260 Broadway in Richmond to shower local girls with love, mentoring and opportunities.
The girls entered Huckleberry’s VIP room via a red carpet that was rolled out for them. During brunch, they were presented with tiaras that were placed on their heads by the motorcycle club members, as well as opal bracelets. Afterward, the group toured the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield and shopped in its gift shop. The girls also went on short rides on 3-wheeler motorcycles in the parking lot of the candy factory.
After their rides, the princesses were presented with Certificates of Achievement. Champagne Ellison, president of the Knyte Ryders, also presented Tiffany Harris, executive director of the Bay Area Girls Club, with a $1,000 donation.
“We are a strong committed sisterhood dedicated to empowering women riders while extending our hands to lift up our teenage girls and escort them into adulthood,” Ellison said.
Ellison said young ladies are struggling with mental and physical health in a fast-changing time. “Today, we want to show them how precious they really are to everyone in their lives,” she said.
The Knyte Ryderz’s ongoing organization of this event and its overall support “holds great significance for our young ladies,” Harris said.
“Walking on the red carpet enhances their self-assurance,” Harris said. “Participating in a brunch with influential women cultivates their abilities in public speaking and social interactions.”
Harris also said the visit to the Jelly Belly Factory provided a opportunity to provide the girls with guidance, networking and sisterhood.
