The Parade was once again a seemingly insurmountable task to escort over 45,000 motorcycles safely, however we did achieve it.  But as I stated earlier, MORE HELP is needed.  This weather-related event has had amazing weather the last few years, therefore, we need to prepare for the event being larger every year, and more bodies are needed to help.  Not only for road blocking, but to create awareness in the communities that are affected by the re-routing and the congestion inconveniences.  If we advise those who will be affected, then we should have less complaints and maybe more proactive participation.  It was not easy and unfortunately there are good and bad reviews from many for this years event.  But we did accomplish our goal to assist the USMC program to collect toys.  The count was over 60,000 toys without our toy collection and purchases included.  So more realistically, we easily contributed over 70,000 toys.  We thank each and everyone of you for your contributions.  

Remember that even though this is a motorcycle ride, its purpose is to collect toys.  Hand wavers and joy riders without toys need not attend.  For those impatient bikers, on the day of the event, take note that the ride from section 1 until last bike arrives at the Marine Center generally takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.  If you feel your schedule cannot allow you to make a day of it, I recommend that you drop off your toys at one of the drop-off locations instead of attending the Parade.  Beautiful sunny days in the 40s mean thousands of motorcycles, so plan to make a day of it.  We cannot go out in one motorcade as some motorcyclists keep hoping for.  There will always be waves or sections with intervals between them to accommodate the commuters throughout the city.  Each wave can take up to 30 minutes with 10 to 15 minutes until next section.  So just do the math.  Four or five sections times 50 minutes easily means 4 to 6 hours. 

The final tier arrived at the Marine Center at 2:00 PM this year.  It's amazing that over 45,000 motorcycles traveling at a slow rate of speed and through nearly 20 miles of Chicago were escorted there in less than 5 hours.  Kudos to all our volunteers once again from the South Side to the North Side, you did one hell of a job.  Thanks to the entire motorcycle community for your generous toys and also to our volunteers in all areas.  

To all our stationery road blockers, EZ-Living Vans, The Mustang Club, The Explorers and new for this year, The Great Lakes Jeep Club.  Additional thanks to the City of Chicago Mayor's Office of Special Events, the Chicago Police Department, especially districts 8 and 20, all the Fire Units, the Cook County Forest Preserve, the 24th Marines, and the CTA Barn on Foster and their planning group.  A big thank you to Streets and Sanitation for asphalting Day Ryan Woods and Western Avenue from 85th Street to 73rd Street, to cover the protruding sewer covers and street ridges, the day before The Parade. 

Thanks to all who help this Parade once again set new records.  Especially to all of our dedicated volunteers who worked relentlessly for us.  Remember this Parade only happens because of you, our volunteers, and those always committed to our event such as the Jack Wheelers, Keith Mukys, Bob Christies, Steve Froemels, Brian Forbes, the 24th Marines, Frank Griestos and Wayne Dembowskis who make up the community of givers we know as motorcyclists.

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For 2005 we will need more assistance from the communities we pass through.  Therefore we will be networking with police, schools, hospitals and churches in every neighborhood surrounding Western Avenue. We intend to keep our organization's name intact: The Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade, along with it’s route, Western Avenue, the longest street in Chicago.  We have a great group, but we have our work cut out for us.  We need you to step it up a notch to gather more helpers or at least become more involved in other areas that can use more assistance.

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Do not forget we have our Elections coming up.  The Nomination Meeting is January 7 with Elections scheduled for February 4th.  Please review our By-laws and make sure your nominees can perform the duties expected of them.  Each officer’s job duties are defined in our By-laws.  As I stated once before, "we do not need wallflowers".  If the candidate does not have time to give, spare them from us.  Our organization's duties can sometimes be more demanding than a real job. 

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There are a couple of events coming up.  We will again be involved with R&B Promotions Supercycle Show. We will be raffling our Sturgis Vacation package there on Sunday, February 6. The following weekend, February 11-13, we will be in Rosemont at the International Bike Show.  If anyone is interested in helping at these events, please see me at either the nomination or election meeting.  And the Harley Raffle will be on March 19 at Oak Lawn Harley.  Get your tickets now.

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Also our prayers and condolences go out to the family of Steve Foremel, a Tier 1 road blocker who lost his battle with cancer on December 11, 2004.  Steve was diagnosed this past August and was unable to make the meetings this year.  Keep his wife Linda in your prayers as she is currently facing some medical and financial hardships.  Also our prayers and condolences go to Tommy Rotto on the loss of his father, Donald Rotto, on December 23,2004.  His dad lost his battle with diabetes.  May his family also be at peace during this grief-stricken time suffered during the holidays. God bless and Godspeed to the both Steve Foremel and Donald Rotto.

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Hope you all had a joyous and Merry Christmas and have a healthy and Happy New Year.

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