SamboraBlog

By Jean-Paul Renaud
Staff Writer
Posted December 4 2004

Motorcycles from across the country will be descending on Broward County on Sunday as part of Toys in the Sun Run, a fund-raising effort for the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and Boys & Girls Club.

A 25-mile long procession of about 30,000 motorcycles -- led by Broward County Sheriff Ken Jenne, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora and Vince Neil from Motley Crue -- will depart Pompano Harness Track around 10 a.m. and arrive at Markham Park in Sunrise three hours later. There, live music and food will welcome the bikers, where about 70,000 people are expected to attend.
 
The event, now in its 17th year, is expected to raise $500,000 for the charities. To participate in the parade, riders must donate $10 and one unwrapped toy. The Fraternal Order of Police then will distribute those toys to charities in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

"We need lots more because the hurricanes devastated a lot of families," said Debbie Amchir, coordinator for the event.

The event began in 1987 with about 700 motorcycles, raised $965 and brought in more than 500 toys, according to event officials. Today, it takes more than 32 motorcycle clubs and organizations to organize the event, as well as 22 police departments and 230 police officers to divert traffic on three interstate highways.

"It was just a way for the bikers to help out in the community," Amchir said.

For more parade information, visit www.toysinthesunrun.com or call 954-343-8782.

Jean-Paul Renaud can be reached at jprenaud@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4556.