Thousands Brave Cold to Ride for Kids

 

Sunday morning began with temperatures in the low teens, but even these extreme conditions could not deter thousands of brave, dedicated riders from participating in The 25th Annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade.

 

 In spite of the frigid temperatures the riders began to assemble before sunrise, and arrived at a steady rate for hours. Most were covered from head to foot to protect themselves from the freezing temperatures. 

 

Riders ranged in ages from pre-teens (riding alongside their parents) to octogenarians, and their mounts ran the gamut from small scooters, dirt bikes, mopeds and mini-bikes, to large tourers and V-8 powered bikes and trikes. 

 

All bikes came carrying toys, many even came with bicycles, and most were decorated with tinsel, bows and ribbons, and even real Christmas trees. 

 

Santa Claus, escorted by his elves, led The Parade up Western Avenue to the cheers of thousands of spectators who lined The Parade route. 

 

The riders soon arrived at The Marine Reserve Center where they really appreciated the coffee, soup, and hot chocolate provided by the USMCR, as they added their gifts to the growing pile of toys. 

 

Many riders were heard to say that the cold weather was easily overcome by the warm feeling created by being a part of this great event.

Thank You

Thanks to all the real, true, genuine, caring and giving bikers who braved the weather and rode their motorcycles to support those who are less fortunate than themselves. Their toys, and financial donations, will be used to help thousands of  deserving children, families and child-oriented groups.

Thanks to all the Parade Volunteers who work, not only on Parade Day, but throughout the year to keep this noble tradition continuing.

Thanks to all those who support The Parade by helping with some aspect of The Parade, or by bringing toys to The Woods and The Marine Center.

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Parade Results

     

The official totals of the number of riders who participated in The Parade and the number of toys collected will be announced by The Parade Officials at the De-briefing Meeting held on Friday, December 13 at the Stempien VFW at 47th Street and Tripp Avenue. 

 

The totals will be included in the next issue of The Parade Update along with the results of the February elections.  

Be a Chicago TFT Parade Volunteer       

It takes hundreds of people to organize this annual event, so if you enjoy The Parade and support what it is and does, then consider becoming a member of The Chicago TFT Motorcycle Parade Organization. 

The Parade Organization sponsors various events throughout the year and schedules a series of Parade organizational meetings starting in the Fall. 

For information, call the Parade Hotline at 773-866-TOYS, see our web site, or contact our web site at info@chicagolandtft.org .

Remember, you don't have to own a motorcycle to help the kids and be part of the fun. 

Parade News

The Parade Organization would like to hear what you thought about The 25th Annual Chicago TFT Motorcycle Parade. What did you like and what did you not like concerning any aspect of The Parade. We would also like to hear from any first time riders, as well as those who may have been riding in The Parade for over a decade, or two. 

Send your comments to info@chicagolandtft.org .

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The Board of Directors Meeting this month will be on the second Tuesday, December 10 at The Stempien VFW. All TFT Parade volunteers should note the date change and attend if possible.

De-briefing Meeting will be held on Friday, December 13, 2002 at the Stempien VFW. This is a very important meeting for we will discuss any problems that may have occurred on Parade Day.  We will also be accepting nominations for the positions on The Board of Directors, with the election coming on February 7th. All members must attend.   

Attention Parade Members; All vests and flags must be returned at this meeting.

The 2003 Elections Meeting will be held on Friday, February 7, 2002. This is the annual election for the positions on The Board of Directors. All members must attend.

Toy Drop-off Locations

Be part of the TFT E-mail List      We appreciate your interest in our Parade and organization, and in order to better serve our members and friends, we now have a TFT E-mail List. This enables us to communicate with each other much faster than we can with either our Newsletter or our Website.      To be notified of the latest Parade updates, and news and activities of our Organization, just E-mail us, and tell us to add your E-address to our E-list.      And while you're connected, please tell us what you think of our Website.  Click here to contact us.