Residents shine at first annual Biker and Social Club Awards

The Gonzales Civic Center was in full party mode on Saturday, Jan. 22.

The men and women of parish biker and social clubs were celebrating the first annual Biker and Social Club Awards night. These organizations have a huge impact on promoting community throughout the parish by raising both awareness and money.

Dontreal Whittington, DJ Jack, organized the event to highlight the plight of young women with Retts Syndrome, with all ticket sales going to the Retts Syndrome Foundation. The disease is a disorder of the nervous system that reverses the developmental process.

Tissuetta Porter’s daughter, Tyreeta, suffers from the disease. “It’s an honor to be a part of making people aware. I appreciate this with all my heart,” she said.

Ladies and gents were done up to the nines in celebration of the night. Awards were passed out in catergories including Most Dependable Club, Best Humanitarian Club, and Outstanding Community Services throughout the Parish.

Nakisha Whittington, The La. Regional Representative for the International Retts Syndrome Foundation joined in the celebrations.

“This is great,” she said. “We’re honoring people for their service, and at the same time helping to highlight Retts Syndrome. “There is no cure for this disease, and all the money raised will go to researching new therapies to make the lives of those with the disease just that much better.”

Sound and lighting for the event were supplied by Right Touch Productions, allowing the stage to be set for the announcement of the award nominees and winners.

Comedian Howard Hall was also there serving as the evening’s compere.

This was the first event of the group in the parish, and revellers seemed thrilled with the evening.

Anthony Brewer, with ASAP Riders, was also a huge part in the organization of the event.

“We want the young people of the parish to see that we need to work together to highlight charities that have less support than some of the better known ones. We want to show them that in the community that they can do positive things for their neighborhoods. They can do something, and be better than they think.  With a little guidance, we can all be better people.”