WISCONSIN, Motorcyclists to rev up for Toys for Tots ride

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2010/10/21/news/top_news/news2107.txt Motorcyclists to rev up for Toys for Tots ride

Motorcyclists mill about in the parking lot of the Marine Corps League in last year’s Toys for Tots ride. The annual ride is ready to take off this Saturday, in the effort to donate toys to make the holiday season brighter for area youth. BDN file photo By Hillary Gavan hgavan@beloitdailynews.com Published: Thursday, October 21, 2010 11:30 AM CDT The public is invited to watch a parade of motorcycle enthusiasts toting toys this Saturday at the Beloit Marine Corps League.

For the 18th year, the Marine Corps League will welcome hundreds of motorcycles on Saturday for its 18th Annual Toys For Tots Ride. All motorcycles are welcome to meet at 3 B’s Tap on County Trunk E, Janesville, where the ride leaves at noon and arrives at the Marine Corps League at 12:30 p.m., according to organizer Cindy Waldsmith.

“It’s public awareness so people realize people who ride motorcycles do nice things for the community as well as the Marines. A lot of Marines will also be riding,” Waldsmith said. “We are just hoping for good weather and to have a big crowd.”

The fun-filled day from 12:30 -4:40 p.m. will include beer, food, Gray’s root beer, raffles, live music from the Bellcats and much more. All proceeds from the event are used to purchase toys for charities in Beloit, Janesville, Evansville, Edgerton, Clinton and Milton.

Although the Toys For Tots event has continued to grow over the last 18 years, the need for toys and cash donations for our Rock County families in need continues to grow at an even faster rate. Waldsmith said the public is invited to bring new toys to the fundraiser or to make cash donations.

Those who wish to write a check can make it payable to “Toys For Tots” and mail it to 1742 Ritsher St., Beloit, WI 53511, or can drop them off at the Marine Corps League on Highway 51 north of Beloit. An account for “Toys For Tots” has been set up at Blackhawk Bank.

In 1993 Marvin Waldsmith, a Marine, wanted to develop a fundraiser for a good cause that would include his children who rode motorcycles and his U.S. Marine friends, and Rock County’s Toys For Tots was born. Marv Waldsmith passed away prior to the 3rd annual toy ride and benefit, which has continued in his honor ever since and has raised more than $255,000 in money and toys for the many needy children he dreamt of helping.

For more information contact Cindy Waldsmith Co-Chair for Toys For Tots at 608-289-1816 or e-mail her at cindy.waldsmith@fivesgroup.com.