A certain group of big-hearted bikers are leaving behind the daily grind of checking accounts and car loans and taking to their motorcycles for a children’s charity.

Calling themselves ‘Banker Bikers’ employees of BankAtlantic, a Florida Bank , will ride in the Big Bike Riders Children’s Foundation “Celebration of Smiles” Charity Motorcycle Ride benefitting the Broward Health Chris Evert Children’s Hospital.

“The ‘Celebration of Smiles’ ride has been called the best ride of any in South Florida by many participants, and it’s a great cause for kids!” commented Ronnie Catronio, Chairman and Executive Director of the Big Bike Riders Children’s Foundation.

“Whether you ride your motorcycle in the charity ride, attend the festivities, or both, there will be a tremendous amount of fun and activities for everyone. And, it’s all for a very good cause - putting smiles on kids’ faces,”Catronio notes.

Upwards of 1,000 motorcycle riders are anticipated to ride in the fourth annual “Celebration of Smiles” charity ride and thousands of attendees will enjoy great food, three live bands, a huge vendor mall, motorcycle drill team performances, stunt performances, and bike-builder displays. Further, the event activities includes a giant pre-event at the Broward Health Chris Evert Children’s Hospital with free breakfast, music, vendors, and presentations by city and hospital officials.

The opening ceremony, breakfast and registration begin at the Chris Evert Children’s Hospital located at 1600 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, at 7:30 a.m. on March 20, 2011. The 61-mile charity ride, fully escorted by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, starts at 10 a.m. at the Chris Evert Children’s Hospital and ends at Bru’s Room Sports Grill in Coral Springs.

“In 2010, the ‘Celebration of Smiles’ charity ride raised close to $13,000 for the renovation and expansion of Chris Evert Children’s Hospital. We are very pleased that the ‘Banker Bikers’, employees of BankAtlantic, are riding in support of this important charity,” commented Brian Smith, BankAtlantic’s Chief Information Security Officer. “We hope to see bikers from all around the state riding in the ‘Celebration of Smiles’ charity ride.”

“What gets bankers and bikers excited? Helping kids in our community is what it’s all about! And motorcyclists in the ‘Celebration of Smiles’ Charity Ride will enjoy a 61-mile east to west ride through Broward County, which is one of the best places in the country to ride. This is a ‘must do’ event for all bikers,” said Patrick Jeanjumeau, BankAtlantic’s Supervisor of Information Security.