Marines, Bikers and local businesses join forces in support of needy kids
Over the past three decades, the “High Country Toy Run” has become the largest motorcycle Toy Run in Southern Colorado. This year‘s event is spearheaded by the Pikes Peak Bikers Church, Pro Promotions and the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum. The 2018 Toy Run will benefit several groups including the United States Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” Program, Fort Carson’s “Santa’s Workshop”, the children of homeless Veterans thru Vets 4 Vets and needy kids in El Paso and Teller Counties.
Each October, more than 1,000 motorcycles laden with toys of various types crowd into the parking lot at the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum in Colorado Springs . As riders roll in, United States Marines in dress uniform present each individual with a Commemorative Toys for Tots Ride Pin. Much love, camaraderie and fellowship ensues, and breakfast burritos and coffee fuel the riders as they prepare for their annual effort to help make Christmas better for thousands of local kids in need.
The colors are posted by the NORAD / US NORTHCOM Joint Color Guard and the playing of the National Anthem brings tears, respect and a roaring round of applause from the group of American Patriots.
The Colorado Springs Police Department provides the escort, insuring all riders arrive safely and in one group in to Downtown Colorado Springs. Plenty of reserved parking is provided for the riders, and the toys are collected by young Marines waiting eagerly to help. Cowboys Night Club will be filled with activity and excitement as a huge auction and raffle kick off at noon with 100% of proceeds spent onadditional toys. Cowboys also serves up a great Steak or Chicken dinner for $7.00, with all proceeds being donated back to Toys for Tots.
In the aftermath of the event, volunteers organize a huge shopping trip, sort all the toys in to age groups, split the haul between the various agencies, schools and organizations, and then deliver and distribute the toys to the Children. It’s a 100% grass roots effort and organizers see it through each year – start to finish – insuring that 100% of donated toys AND dollars get to the kids in need with no salaries or administrative fees being paid in the process.
Riders are asked to gather beginning at 9am Sunday, October 7th at the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum (Pikes Peak Harley Davidson), 5867 N. Nevada Ave in Colorado Springs. Everyone should be in place by 11am for the pre-ride gathering and kickstands go up at 11:20 for the 30 minute police escorted ride into Downtown.
To become a sponsor of this great event, to donate merchandise for the auction or for more information, call 719-487-8005 or visit www. pro-promotions.com.
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