Purpose of SSCs, MCs, and Nonprofit Organizations

I don't know about other areas, but it seems that most adults in Tuscaloosa are either members of social savings clubs or motorcycle clubs, sometimes both.  While I know that motorcycle clubs often ride together, I never really understood why they had to form a club. Neither did I understand why people had to form a group to have a party or do community service.  So, I asked.

One of my friends explained that social savings clubs are not confined to the regulations often held by nonprofit organizations and that the money they raise go to their immediate communities, which isn't always the case with nonprofit organizations. However, SSCs do have to adhere to bank and IRS regulations.

Motorcycle clubs are said to serve much like social savings clubs, except their activities primarily involve motorcycles. These groups have common interests aside from motorcycles and sometimes serve a specific purpose, such as escorting funerals, ministry, and courier services.

Nonprofit organizations usually serve the public in a variety of capacities out of the surplus from their fundraising. The surplus is not used for the benefit of any owner.

With that being said, of which SSC/MC do you belong, and how does your group serve the Tuscaloosa community? (Oh, and just out of curiosity, what do the patches on your vests mean? Do you get them like boy/girl scouts?)