Angels on two wheels, and Italian too!
The “Italian Angels Motorcycle Brotherhood” their contributions, their value, their mission
By Arnie Sherr http://sherrent.info/AskArnie.php

“The benefits of giving are as generous as or greater than that which is given” - Arnold Sherr

Apart of the Florida Federation of Italian American Clubs, Inc., an organization made-up of greater than 50 clubs throughout the State of Florida is the “Italian Angels Motorcycle Club,” a group whose aspirations dedicate to helping those with commitments of helping others. I speak herein of the “Italian Angels Motorcycle Club” and their unselfish desire not only to with the set-up at the recent Parrott Heads’ Save the Manatee’s event, but as generous and dedicated purveyors of charity they manned their own booth, cooked and sold delicious Italian sausage sandwiches and Italian Angels tee shirts, policed the entire area efficiently enforcing that the event’s perimeter remain impenetrable by visitors seeking convenient parking and access and all for the benefit of this one of many worthiest of causes.

The Florida Federation of Italian American Clubs, Inc. was an idea started by a group of dedicated men. They shared a dream to enhance the Italian heritage and culture throughout the State of Florida. They held their first meeting in "Hank's Coffee Break Restaurant" in Vero Beach, Florida, in November of 1976. They contacted the Florida Chamber of Commerce for a list of known Italian clubs throughout the State. In turn, each club on the list was contacted and asked to join in this great dream. The response was overwhelming and a meeting was held in Vero Beach, Florida, to discuss ideas and purpose with a future convention as the target. Through these efforts the first annual convention was held in Vero Beach. By the time the second convention was held, the organization boasted a membership of over twenty-one clubs, almost ten thousand individuals. The Italian Angels Motorcycle Brotherhood are but one of many affiliate clubs throughout Florida that succeeds in fulfilling the Federation’s mission, and I am happy to add, they do it well.

Frankly, since wisdom - speaking for me - comes with age, I’ve never demonstrated voluntary expressions of charity as part of a group. For individuals in need I’ve definitely made many marks, however I am awed by the good that is shaped when it emanates from the heartfully driven efforts of groups and/or organizations like the “Italian Angels Motorcycle Brotherhood,” the “Italian-American Clubs,” and the many other Federation clubs throughout Florida; other charitable groups like them are a growing culture that is weaving goodness and greatness throughout America’s society.

However, after further research, I’ve uncovered of this noble group of motorcyclists a dedication that I and I venture most will have difficulty surpassing has left me in awe.

In the early morning hours of February 24 , 2005, Jessica Lunsford, a nine-year-old girl who was abducted from her home in Homosassa , Florida. Before it was know that she held captive over the weekend, was raped and later murdered by 47-year-old John Couey who was living nearby the Italian Angels Motorcycle Brotherhood put their Harleycan compassion and humanism to work for the ultimate of causes, to help find Jessica Lunsford.

The Group immediately set out to raise monies for the search. They enlisted more than 2000 people to participate in the search who when they signed-up donated $10.00 or more. Additionally, they were able, with no resistance to have the Gulf Coast Harley-Davidson located in New Part Richie donate to Jessica Lunsford’s father Marc Lunsford with a new Harley so he could lead the search for his missing daughter.