Florida - SUNRISE, Toys in the Sun Run collects nearly 50,000 gifts...

OFF THE WIRE
Source: miamiherald.com
Special to The Miami Herald
Wearing black leather and Santa hats, tattooed riders on 30,000 motorcyles hit the roads in Broward County for the 23rd Annual Christmas Toys in the Sun Run charity event and festival Dec. 5, delivering nearly 50,000 toys and roughly $500,000 for sick and needy children.
Altogether, the bikers filled three and a half 18-wheeler tractor trailers with toys, said the event’s marketing director Debbie Amchir.
Amchir’s father Bob established the run in 1987 when he was the leader of Wings of Gold MC, combining small events hosted by several groups into one larger run. Since then, the event has provided $8.5 million to children’s causes.
A more accurate count on this year’s financial donation will be available pending the events’ Harley Davidson motorcycle raffle ticket sale, which ended Dec. 10. Most of the money is donated to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital but other beneficiaries have included Schott Communities for the blind and disabled, Boys & Girls Clubs, COPS Kids and North Broward Hospital District.
The toys, more than $20 million worth so far, are distributed to underprivileged children by Fraternal Order of Police chapters in three South Florida counties.
“There is no better reward than being able to give,” said Sandra Stefani of the Miami Motorcycle Riders group.
Stefani, a chef who decked her Harley Davidson in holiday garland, ornaments, and a stuffed Santa bear, said her group of about 200 professionals donated 400 toys the day before to Miami Police Department.
“I feel honored to be biker, to be a woman, to be a good example of what motorcycle organizations can accomplish,” Stefani said.
The bikers are from all sorts of backgrounds, it turns out.
Archbishop of Miami Thomas Wenski went practically unrecognized while riding sans vestments on his Harley Davidson Street Glide. Close by, Marry Mankes, chief executive officer of the International Association of Jewish Public Safety Employees, wore a blue menorah topper while riding his Harley hog.
“Every man is a biker at heart. Good for us that God is our copilot,” Mankes said.
Along with vowing to help South Florida’s kids, two bikers also exchanged different vows.
Annemarie and Al “Newcomer” Acevedo, Hollywood members of the ABATE motorcycle education organization, said “I Do’’ in the group’s tent where they met last year while decorating a Christmas tree for the run.
Headed by the South Florida Presidents Council of motorcycle organizations, 32 motorcycle groups volunteer their time and efforts for the toy drive. Some of this year’s most active clubs included The Outlaws MC, Keltics MC, Chrome Angels MC, Southern MC and Soldiers for Jesus MC.
Four Broward County residents, on two separate motorcyles, were hurt Sunday during the run. One rider was taken to North Broward Medical Center and the others had minor injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The 26-mile ride had a different launch point this year, starting from Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek instead of Pompano Beach – it ended at its usual destination, Markham Park in Sunrise, where there was a daylong concert headlined by Charlie Daniels.
For some, like Lilly Fermin, the run was bittersweet.
Fermin, of Fort Lauderdale, a 15-year Toys in the Sun Run veteran, said the ride hit home three years ago when her daughter Makayla, now 4, was struck with leukemia.
Makayla currently suffers from lung damage caused by treatments that saved her life at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
“It’s alway been a great ride for a great cause but now it’s for my baby and every child,” Fermin said.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/12/07/1962391/toys-in-the-sun-run-collects-nearly.html#ixzz17UbKutjZ