Who do we support
There are many fine organizations in the motorcycling community and we believe that they all can benefit from our support. But over the years there have been organizations that our membership has voiced that they would like to be more involved with and support.
Please find the listing of those organizations below.
Chicagoland Toys for Tots
(708) 598-4909
https://chicagolandtft.org
South Side Meetings
Rhine VFW
5858 S Archer Avenue, Chicago
Meetings start at 7pm
On December 13, 1978, Ed "Animal" Wisniewski organized a toy parade to provide Christmas presents to underprivileged children in Chicago. The first parade had six participants, one motorcycle, and a van full of toys. By 2003, the parade had 40,000 motorcyclists. By 2012, there were 70,000 and the Chicagoland Toys for Tots parade is now the largest motorcycle parade in the world, providing tens of thousands of children with brand-new presents for Christmas. The run is held on the first Sunday in December each year.
The organization also sets up toy boxes in local businesses to collect more toys. The boxes are set up when the season kicks off in September, but fundraising efforts continue throughout the year to defer the cost of the parade itself and to purchase more toys. Chicagoland Toys for Tots volunteers distribute these toys to individuals, group homes, shelters, hospitals and youth groups throughout the city. The toys collected at the annual parade are donated to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, making Chicagoland Toys for Tots its single largest contributor. We are otherwise unaffiliated with the Marine Corps.
For more information, please visit their website (listed above).
Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run
https://ilfreedomrun.com
Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run
The event is generally held the 3rd weekend in June and starts with a run to the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall.
Line up starts at 6:00am at the Grundy County Fairgrounds in Morris, IL and breakfast may be available there. At 1:00pm, a ceremony honoring all the fallen and (Gold Star & Blue Star) their families are present.
After the ceremony there has typically been a large event in town, previously hosted by the Town of Marseilles with bands, vendors, & food although this may have changed, so you will need to verify on yearly event publicity or their website.
Come and enjoy a super good time and we hope to see you there!
Big Bikes Helping Little Tykes
(773) 428-6152
http://littletykesrun.com
Manteno Veterans Ride
“The outlook for a child with cancer and leukemia has dramatically improved over the past 25 to 30 years, and because so many children are, fortunately, surviving, these camps are needed.” Edward S. Baum, MD, founder ofthe One Step At A Time programs.
The One Step At A Time camps offer safe, normal fun to kids regardless of their need for medical treatment.The status of the child’s therapy does not influence eligibility for camp or participation in camp activities. Children may be undergoing therapy, completely off therapy or have no further therapy available. Health professionals are continuously on site to provide blood counts, chemotherapy or any other medical assistance that might be required.
The One Step At A Time camps have physicians, nurses, medical technicians donating their time and energy on a voluntary basis. Some of them do particpate as members of the care-giving team while many others simply act as primary cabin counselors. For all of them, camp provides a unique and a challenging opportunity where they can interact with the children socially, as friends and mentors as well as care-givers. Most volunteer health professionals are associated with the same hospital-based oncology programs where the campers are or have been patients.
“When you see the smiles on these kids’ faces, it’s wonderful . . .” The camps give them a chance to just be normal kids again and put their experiences as hospital patients behind for a while. . . . I still marvel at what some of them can do.” Diane Mesh, the summer camp Director stated. The One Step At A Time programs are open to any child with cancer orleukemia between the ages of 7 through 20 being treated in Illinois, Wisconsin, or northern Indiana. Children from other states may also participate, depending on availablity of space
In support for our Veterans who have given so much so that we can enjoy what we have. This event is all about “Veterans Helping Veterans.”
All motorcycles are welcome to this rain or shine event that generally starts with line-up at 8:00am and kickstands up at 10:00am as the ride heads to Manteno.
100% of all proceeds raised goes to the Manteno Veterans Home in Manteno, Illinois.
The event will feature “a huge 50/50 raffle to be drawn in Manteno” that day, and a after-party at the Tinley Park VFW.
Monetary donations are welcome, but riders are asked to bring a donation from the Manteno Veterans Home Members’ Personal Needs List. The list includes personal care products, packaged snacks and food, greeting cards, batteries, magnifying glasses, postage stamps, wireless head phones, word search / crossword books, men’s wallets or change pouch, stationery / envelopes, and miscellaneous items such as fabric softener sheets, paper towels, napkins, plastic knives, spoons and forks, and paper plates.
A complete list is available by contacting via email: avmrax@gmail.com
Donations can be dropped off at the Bremen VFW Post #2791, 17147 S. Oak Park Ave. Tinley Park, IL 60477
At Shady Oaks Camp, we create outstanding camp experiences that enrich the lives of our campers. Shady Oaks Camp accomplishes this by providing outdoor fun and recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.
To provide people of all ages and backgrounds, with a disability, the same recreational opportunities that their peers without disabilities enjoy in a summer camp setting. We believe camp provides an opportunity for personal growth, increased self-esteem and social skills building. We strive to create a space for our campers that promotes safety, independence, supportive care and attention based on the individuals needs and goals.