LV’S BIKER GROUP HIGHLIGHTS

  • LV’S Biker Group was founded in 2006 by Laura Jo Smith as a direct result of attending and working for at a fund raising event for Big Brothers Big Sisters. After Laura Jo had received the prestigious “Power of One” award bestowed upon her by Big Brothers Big Sisters of SW Florida for her outstanding efforts, as one person, she had an idea. She was at the annual fund raiser for BBBS and never thought one person could make a difference. She was wrong. At this event she met Vicki Tracy, a BBBS Board Member, and the two became fast friends with a common goal – the love of their community and giving back specifically to children.
  • LV's Biker Group was formed when Laura Jo Smith of Premier Properties and Vicki Tracy of Bentley Village but their diverse backgrounds together and said “hey – let's do this”. Both have a passion for children and a love of motorcycle riding. The motive for starting this riding group was to help out local charities that focus on children, by hosting events that can raise money for the organizations and raise awareness in the community.  
  • Laura Jo’s love of riding is evident. “I ride because it gives me the feeling of freedom. There is nothing better than letting your hair down and blowing in the wind, and seeing SW Florida in a different light. The added benefit is reducing the stresses of daily issues that most working women and mothers deal with!”, states Smith, a single mother with long time roots in Collier County. “To be able to do something you love and have it benefit a worthwhile cause is mind blowing. It renews my confidence level as well as the ability to meet a variety of people that soon become your extended family”, Laura Jo comments in her easy manner which makes you want to ask her for an application to learn to ride!” Tracy, whose background and experiences were far different than Smith’s said “this is a perfect example of how long time friendships and community altering events can happen by one person reaching out to another. Laura never thought she could organize a motorcycle rally and event and she did most of the work herself. Her second event resulted in an “annual” venue which doubled in size and revenue for the charity. Laura Jo is amazing and one determined broad when she makes her mind up – she is very talented and never gives up.  She says she learned from me, but I disagree – I have learned so much from her.”
  • LV’s Biker Group was born and the first fund raiser was launched after that event. The first Poker Run was organized and executed with a small group and $5000 was raised in the first attempt, all proceeds going to BBBS. With Laura acting as Chief Operating Officer, Marketing Director and Recruiter, Vicki provided the much needed encouragement and direction to many of the business relationships as well as bikers. Laura quickly decided that she could continue to improve and vowed to make the event bigger and better each year. 
  • Laura enlisted the help and leadership of other motivated women that love to ride and love SW Florida and giving back in a way that knew they could do – encourage other bikers!
  • Laura, Vicki and the now expanded “executive board” all share the strong realization that children truly are the future of our community. Because of this belief, they are devoted to helping organizations that work with area youth, in an effort to make brighter futures for us all. The group is open to anyone who loves to ride and wants to make a difference in the community!

Click here to see the poster

Please contact Laura Jo Smith of LV's Biker Group to make a donation.


Laura Jo Smith - President

Vicki Tracy - Vice President/Treasurer


Lori Erwin - Secretary

The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. -- DeAnn Holli

"Our work is as elementary as putting a friend in a child's life, and as essential as putting hope in a child's future."

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides at-risk children, who are often from low-income or single parent households, with caring mentors.  Their mission is: “To help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships with measurable impact.” Statistics show that children who are mentored are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and peers and are less likely to skip school or use illegal drugs or alcohol.  These children are less likely to drop out of school, become pregnant, abuse drugs or become involved in criminal activity.