2015 Children’ s Hospital Toy Run
By Peggy Bogaard-Lapp
The December sun was again shining on the 2000 + bikes that roared into the Children’ s Hospital driveway on December 6th. A steady stream of holiday adorned motorcycles made their way from Aurora Sport Park and along Colfax Avenue where they were waved on by fans young and old. This year marked the 30th ride to benefit the children who are at the hospital during the holidays, as well as those there in the coming months, with each rider bringing a toy or gift and making this year’ s haul close to 2500 toys. Kathleen McBride, a representative for Children’ s Hospital Colorado Foundation says that without the donations, many kids at the hospital would be without gifts during the holiday season.“ We are very thankful for the donations of toys that the Toy Run brings us. After thirty years we have seen so many wonderful people helping out.”
Originally, the Toy Run was just a few friends who felt the Christmas spirit and decided to donate
a few toys to the kids at the hospital. Each year it grew as friends of friends wanted to join in and be a part of the fun. Now thirty years later it has become tradition with many riders. Vinny Terranova, owner of Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson, was one of the original group. Troy Terranova, Vinny’ s son, says“ We are thrilled and humbled at how something like this can start out with a few people and blossom into so many people and huge participation. My dad wanted to do something for those in need, and its better each year.”
The purpose of the Toy Run is for the kids, and to make a difficult time for them a little easier. It’ s heartwarming to see their joy when they see the bikes and the gifts and the smiles that we bikers bring. If you would like to volunteer or donate to Children’ s Hospital Colorado, please visit the webpage at http:// www. childrenscolorado. org / donate-volunteer
Peggy Bogaard Lapp
( Photos: Peggy Bogaard Lapp, Carrie McCauley)
14 Thunder Roads Magazine ® Colorado January 2016 www. thunderroadscolorado. com