12/14/09
Brian and I have been involved in Bikers 4 Tots since the beginning. Brian went in the Marines right out of high school and he is still a very proud Marine. He was constantly looking for a Toys for Tots ride here in Central Florida but nothing was ever in this area. So in true Marine fashion he took it upon himself to start a charity and a run in the same year.
We had high hopes in 2003 our first year for a lot of riders and a lot of toys for the kids. As it turned out we contributed to keep the charity out of the red; but we did collect quite a few toys for the kids that year.
Of course our family and friends were all behind this adventure. I don’t know how we could have done any of this without them. Thank you to everyone for all of your help!
I was reviewing each year as I went through the checking account and I had to write this down so I could share it:
2003- Partial truck of toys
2004- Donated $6,000.00 and a truck load of toys
2005- Donated $10,000.00 and 1 ½ truck loads of toys
2006- Donated $15,000.00 and 2 truck loads of toys
2007- Donated $30,000.00 and 2 truck loads of toys packed in tight
2008- Donated $37,000.00 and 2 truck loads of toys heaping full
This year Amanda with Orlando Harley said “She wanted to make this event huge” even though our thoughts were “In this economy”….. We were absolutely ecstatic when the offer to donate a new 2010 Road King was announced.
So this year with all the proceeds from the 2010 Road King and all of the event donations
we will be donating $50,000.00 plus 2 truck loads of toys.
We want to thank all of the sponsors:
Orlando Harley, East Orlando Harley, Unlimited Welding, Inc., City Beverage (Budweiser), Cowboys, Johnny’s Fillin Station, Pepsi, Graffiti Junktion, Big Engine and Edelman for all of your Support and sponsorship!
We also want to thank all of the companies that have donated gifts or raffle items:
Ruth Chris Steakhouse, Frogger’s Grill and Bar, Boston’s Fish House, Bubbalous BBQ, Casey’s grill, Wet N Wild, Checkers, Gators Dockside, Hooter’s Waterford Lakes, American Ad Specialties, O’L time Premium cigars, Huey Magoo’s, Thirsty Gators and Franklin Mint.
I have one last Thank You!
Thank you to all of our men and women serving in the armed forces we couldn’t do this without you!
Bonnie M Smith
Bikers 4 Tots
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