Bikers rally for kids, charity

[totalmotorcycle]

Bikers rally for kids, charity
Monday, November 20, 2006 - By Ben McNeely - Independent Tribune - independenttribune.com



CONCORD - The rumble of motorcycle engines sounded on Interstate 85 as 380 bikes came down riding toward Concord on Sunday.

The motorcycle riders were there for a cause: A merry Christmas for area children this holiday season.

The Speedway Hog Club No. 1150 held its fourth Holiday Toy Ride on Sunday to benefit the Empty Stocking Fund. The fund is coordinated by Cooperative Christian Ministry, which collects toy and money donations for disadvantaged children.

Around 500 people participated in the event, which began at Fieldcrest-Cannon Stadium in Kannapolis. Each biker was required to bring an unwrapped toy to participate in the ride.

“Wild” Bill Sarrubbo organized the ride for the club. He said bikers are great people when it comes to helping children.

“Nobody wants to see a child with an empty tree on Christmas morning,” he said. “You mention kids and you will see a bunch of motorcyclists come and help them.”

The bikers ended up at Pat Rogers Speedway Harley-Davidson, where food and door prizes were given out. The bikers were escorted by the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Department.

Around 100 leather-clad riders stood outside the dealership after the ride, with tickets in hand to see if they won a door prize.

Off to the side, a large pile of toys sat, ready to be loaded up and taken to the ministry.

Bike club member Paul Hurley said this was his first year riding in the toy run.

“I became a member when I bought my Harley back in the spring,” he said. “It was a very long line when we started this morning.”

After the door prizes were given out, the toys were presented to Cooperative Christian Ministry.

“The Empty Stocking Fund has been around in some form for 70 years,” said Kim Brown, coordinator of the fund. “We’ve been doing it since 1985.”

The bike club gave $397 to the ministry, half of a 50/50 drawing. The Pat Rogers Foundation also gave $2,500 to the organization.

Brown said the money would go to the fuel fund, which helps people with heating costs over the winter.

Sarrubbo said for bike clubs, this is the largest event of the year.

“I know our sister chapter in Charlotte does one,” Sarrubbo said. “The Gastonia chapter, too - you mention kids and these big, burly bikers are there. They love helping the kids.”