FORT MYERS, Fla. – With the help of more than a thousand motorcyclists and local fundraisers, the Southwest Coast Division of the March of Dimes raised an estimated $138,000 through the 15th annual Bikers for Babies fundraiser.

John Tabar, general manager and partner of Naples Harley-Davidson, served as the 2015 Bikers for Babies chair. Donations contribute to research and medical services relating to premature birth and infant health.

More than 1,300 motorcycle riders lined up at North Collier Regional Park last month to take the Sunday ride to Six Bends Harley-Davidson. The weekend event included a bike night, car and bike show, a Very Important Biker (VIB) tent with complimentary appetizers donated by Longhorn Steakhouse Gulf Coast, and a concert by Grayson Rogers. The ride culminated in a celebration including local vendors, a complimentary lunch and live entertainment.

Bikers for Babies donors include registered motorcycle participants, fundraising teams, event sponsors, and other generous givers. In fall, fundraising groups took to the streets to gather donations during the Bikers for Babies Helmet Drive, collecting more than $12,000 throughout Cape Coral and Fort Myers. This year’s top fundraising team was the Wicked Sisters Chapter of Women in the Wind, whose members are now eligible to lead the 2016 ride. As the second largest and longest Bikers for Babies ride in the country, this event has raised more than $1.9 million to date.

For more information about Bikers for Babies, visit bikersforbabies.org or contact Annie Campbell at 239-271-2564.

From a press release