We started out as a small group of friends that rode together on weekends, participated in other organization's functions, and there were those of us who always took advantage of the opportunity to show off our bikes in local bike shows.

The original concept in getting together was just to keep in touch with each other as well as going on different rides...seeking always to have a good time. One of the most common rides is a "poker run". This is a mapped out ride in which riders draw playing cards at the different stops to compile a poker hand. The top hands usually win cash prizes. The original members of the Cajun Cruisers thought about holding their own poker run and donating the money raised to local charities and people in need.

So, the friends got together and became organized.  The founding officers were elected with Roddy Sandras as Secretary/Treasurer; Clark Toups Sr. as Vice President and finally Roland Berthelot taking the wheel as President.  The first organized meeting was in April 1997 with approximately 50 members joining.  The Cajun Cruisers became a formal incorporated organization on November 5, 1997.  The incorporation and non-profit status kept the officers busy to include filing for a gaming license with the LA State Police to hold fund raising events. At the time of incorporation, the officers were the late Sandra Sanamo as Secretary; David Guidry as Treasurer; Wesley Sanamo as Vice President; and Roland Berthelot remaining as President.

As the craze for motorcycling grew, so did the membership.  And so has the participation in the Cajun Cruiser events.  As of this date, the club has celebrated years with membership over 370 strong and some members even living out of state.  And since the club's first donation of $4000 to a local 7-year old cancer patient, the club has donated over $200,000 to various charities and people in the community.  Every year the Cajun Cruisers also hold a Christmas toy drive to give that Christmas spirit to children less fortunate.

The Cajun Cruisers work had to have fun at this, but we also need to thank the local businesses that join in the club's efforts by donating services, merchandise, and many other things to help the fund raiser get going.

So next time you are sitting at the red light and you look over and see a group of motorcycles, do not feel the need to lock your door.  They are probably taking a ride to give a hand to someone you might know.