Cruising for a Cause: Milledgeville Cruisers share common interest in motorcycles, giving back

Published 11:47 am Thursday, July 29, 2021

In 2006, Edward Jackson desired to start a motorcycle club in Milledgeville. As interest grew, the Milledgeville Cruisers were born. 

What grew out of a shared interest in motorcycles, has sparked numerous community outreach efforts. 

“First of all, we love motorcycles,” said Bruce Chatman, vice president of the Milledgeville Cruisers. “There was always somebody who helped me along the way, so if I can help somebody else it is worth it to me. I think most of our guys feel that way.”

The club’s motto is “Cruise for a Cause,” which is what took place July 17. 

The club raised money to help a child, D’Mauri Davis, and his family with medical expenses. Davis has experienced medical setbacks throughout his short life. Several bike clubs throughout central Georgia and South Carolina participated in the event and helped the family reach its fundraising goal.

The ride lasted about 30 minutes in Baldwin County with 30 to 40 bikers participating. Each biker paid $10 to take part and there were other members selling items outside of the clubhouse. All the proceeds went to the baby and his family. 

Due to COVID, the Cruisers were unable to participate in events for almost two years, the recent charity ride was the first event since the pandemic hit. However, this summer the inaugural Calvin “Chill” Hill Scholarship was awarded to Maya Adams to support her pursuit for higher education at Clayton State University. 

The scholarship is in honor of the late Calvin Hill, a past president of the Cruisers. Hill introduced the Cruisers to the biker community not only in Milledgeville but around Georgia and even in other states. According to Chatman, Hill had an infectious personality to pushed the Cruisers forward.

“He never met a stranger,” Chatman said. “He led us through some hard times, and I think he was instrumental in making us what we are today, so we dedicated the first scholarship in his honor.”

This scholarship does not apply strictly to high school students; it is open to anyone in the community trying to pursue higher education.

The intent of the Cruisers is to make this an annual scholarship with the hopes for it to take place multiple times a year.

The Cruisers try to help in the community any way the group can by donating school supplies for students, buying Christmas presents for the less fortunate, visiting schools and some members even mentor students as well.

The Cruisers are open to anyone who rides a motorcycle and is interested in joining the club. Members represent a cross-section of the community with an interest in motorcycles and riding as the common thread.

“We are all about what’s on the shirt, we cruise for a cause,” said Donald Tuft, President of the Milledgeville Cruisers. “We aren’t out there to hurt nobody, we aren’t out there to harm nobody, we’re just out there to cruise and to help.”  

The club meets just about every Friday at the Cruisers clubhouse at 7 pm. For more information call Donald Tuft, club president, at 478-696-9512.