Thunder Roads Magazine of Oklahoma/Arkansas January 2016 | Page 15

EVENTS

John Wetzel and deputies and the OKC Police
Department. Organizers are looking forward to
another successful year of bringing Christmas
wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.
Please consider joining them to ride or drop off a
toy at the registration of this heart-warming annual
event in 2016.

coach Bob Stoops in 2000. It is an independent,
non-profit organization that benefits disadvantaged
and ill children in the Oklahoma City and Norman
areas. They have been so pleased with the results
of these toy runs that they continued it on December
6. The riders gathered at Fort Thunder HarleyDavidson in Moore, OK. All who participated in
the motorcycle toy run brought an unwrapped toy
and rode approximately 90 miles delivering toys
in an escorted ride. The law enforcement officers
who worked this escort donated their time and
protection to the riders doing a marvelous job of
blocking traffic and intersections so that they could
all arrive together with Santa for the children. Those
we’d like to thank are Cleveland County Sherriff
Joe Lester and deputies, Oklahoma County Sherriff

As I rode this year’s Bob Stoops Champions Toy Run,
I felt a sense of community that I often feel within our riding
community. However, I also got to see how our community
grew with each and every stop. I thank all of the organizers
of this beautifully coordinated event which tears at the
hearts of everyone involved. This is, by far, one of the most
difficult rides to ride due to the nature of how difficult it is
to wrap my head around the fact that these devastating
illnesses are hurting these precious children, their families
and the community around them. As we visited with each
child, it was apparent that the neighborhoods either had
rallied around them or they were unaware of what was
happening in the house down the street. Many joined us
as we approached the homes of the child. I hope that they
continue to support their neighbors.
The reality of this devastation is that some of the

children are not granted healing. We visited one such
mother and father’s home who had lost their small boy.
Their son, Aven, had been chosen as a recipient of the Bob
Stoops Champions Award but took a turn for the worse
just after being chosen. The family asked that we still visit
them without gifts as it was healing for them to see so many
care about their family and child. But Santa made a special
surprise possible for them. He sent previous Chicago Bears
Linebacker, Cliff Thrift along with us to present them with
autographed Chicago Bears Memorabilia. It brought them
much joy! The day was wrapped up as the sun went down
and we returned to our homes. My hopes and prayers as
we pulled away, were that of healing, comfort and love for
these children and families. May 2016 bring just that to all.
Your Riding Writer,
“T”
Thunder Roads Magazine of OK/AR

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