Motorcycle run raises over $11k

[totalmotorcycle]

Motorcycle run raises over $11k
Thursday, December 7, 2006 - By Sarah Wells - Bay City Tribune - baycitytribune.com





The sound of engines echoed through many parts of Bay City and Van Vleck Sunday, as more than 250 motorcycles joined in the Eighth Annual Toys For Kids Motorcycle Run.

This year’s run was another banner year for Road Riders Inc., a non-profit organization of local motorcycle enthusiasts who sponsor the annual event to benefit disadvantaged children.

Funds from motorcyclists, sponsors and donations equaled more than $11,000 in cash, toys and clothing for the 2006 Christmas season.

“Our organization and volunteers worked very hard to make this another great year and we are just tickled pink at the great response from the community,” said Syleta Halbert, Toys for Kids board member.

Kickstands went up at 11:15 a.m. and the riders followed a 26-mile path around the north side of Matagorda County, through Van Vleck and down Texas 35.

Local law enforcement led the cyclists through the county with lights and sirens to help support the group’s efforts.

Bay City High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) members also volunteered during the event, helping register bikes, pass out T-shirts, serve meals and organize the huge gift tree.

At noon, participants met at Eagles Hall and enjoyed a lunch catered by A&A Barbeque, more than 100 door prizes donated by various sponsors and a trophy presentation for the event’s best bike.

Mayor Richard Knapik presented the best bike award to Carl “Bro” King Jr.’s Harley Davidson

Halbert and other board members will meet at Wal-Mart on Dec. 16 for a toy-shopping spree.

Wal-Mart has reserved a special register in the past for Toys for Kids to help making the spree easy and enjoyable, said Halbert.

Road Riders will distribute those toys, as well as the other donations, to the Matagorda County United Way, Salvation Army, Texana Center and area churches.

Members also will make home deliveries on their motorcycles to children across the county.

“Those deliveries make some of the most special moments for our organizations. Neighborhood kids coming running out from everywhere when our bikes pull up,” said Halbert.

Because the organization feels that no child should be left out on their deliveries, they carry bags of small toys and stuffed animals for other neighborhood children, said Halbert.

The run started eight years ago with 40 motorcyclists after a founding member felt Matagorda County had an unmet need to provide a better Christmas for low-income families.

“We saw that need in this county and we address it every year with this great event.”