2015 Children ’ s Hospital Toy Run
By Peggy Bogaard-Lapp
The December sun was again shining on the 2000 + bikes that roared into the Children ’ s Hospital driveway on December 6th . A steady stream of holiday adorned motorcycles made their way from Aurora Sport Park and along Colfax Avenue where they were waved on by fans young and old . This year marked the 30th ride to benefit the children who are at the hospital during the holidays , as well as those there in the coming months , with each rider bringing a toy or gift and making this year ’ s haul close to 2500 toys . Kathleen McBride , a representative for Children ’ s Hospital Colorado Foundation says that without the donations , many kids at the hospital would be without gifts during the holiday season . “ We are very thankful for the donations of toys that the Toy Run brings us . After thirty years we have seen so many wonderful people helping out .”
Originally , the Toy Run was just a few friends who felt the Christmas spirit and decided to donate
a few toys to the kids at the hospital . Each year it grew as friends of friends wanted to join in and be a part of the fun . Now thirty years later it has become tradition with many riders . Vinny Terranova , owner of Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson , was one of the original group . Troy Terranova , Vinny ’ s son , says “ We are thrilled and humbled at how something like this can start out with a few people and blossom into so many people and huge participation . My dad wanted to do something for those in need , and its better each year .”
The purpose of the Toy Run is for the kids , and to make a difficult time for them a little easier . It ’ s heartwarming to see their joy when they see the bikes and the gifts and the smiles that we bikers bring . If you would like to volunteer or donate to Children ’ s Hospital Colorado , please visit the webpage at http :// www . childrenscolorado . org / donate-volunteer
Peggy Bogaard Lapp
( Photos : Peggy Bogaard Lapp , Carrie McCauley )
14 Thunder Roads Magazine ® Colorado January 2016 www . thunderroadscolorado . com