Make-A-Wish Ride raises
$30,000
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Route 15 Honda-Yamaha was proud to be a major supporter of the
New Jersey Make-A-Wish Ride. We wish to thank everyone who worked so
hard to make it a success.
October 15th dawned with a fog
bank that you could cut with a knife. But soon morning saw the sun
burst through and melt the cloud cover away. The temperature soared
to 78 degrees putting this day in the record book for the run.
Hundreds of riders found their way to the Sussex County Fairgrounds
in Augusta, New Jersey for the 12th Annual Harvey C. Irons Memorial
Make-A-Wish Ride sponsored by the Blue Knights NJ Chapter IX Law
Enforcement Motorcycle Club. The riders were greeted with fresh
coffee and donuts and fifteen vendors all housed in the spacious
indoor arena. The DJ work was done by Infinity and the live band,
Boyz Night Out, entertained the riders as they renewed old
friendships. Earlier in the morning a large group of Hot Rod and
Classic cars made their way up to the Run from the Rockaway
Townsquare Mall. The group meets every Tuesday evening at the Wendy’s
in Denville. This year they brought along a check from Wendy’s for
$2,025, which was donated, to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Also, the
Colonial Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America brought
in a bunch of wonderful old iron for folks to feast their eyes on.
Sidehack riders traditionally escort the Make-A-Wish kids on a
one-hour loop. This year Patty Darcy Jones of Broadway fame kicked
off the ride by singing the National Anthem. She brought tears to
the eyes of many folks who resoundingly applauded her. The ride left
at 11:00 a.m. and traveled the roads of Sussex County with the
capable assistance of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Department and
the Stillwater Police. The spectacular fall foliage was at its peak.
The entourage returned to the Fairgrounds at noon to feast on hot
roast beef sandwiches, salads and sodas. After lunch the benefit
Auction heated up and bidders bought everything from ceiling fans to
Harley collectibles. The vendors play a large part in this auction
by generously donating items. Three motorcycle dealers come each
year to help out; they are Route 15 Honda/Yamaha, Tramontin Harley
Davidson and Kosco Harley Davidson. The Route 15 Honda-Yamaha team
donated a Yamaha generator that sold for $600. The dealership also
donated all profits from sales they made during the day. If you
purchased something from the Route 15 Honda-Yamaha table, you helped
the Make-A-Wish cause.
After the auction was over the Blue Knights drew the winner of
their 2000 Fat Boy Harley Davidson raffle and announced that the
North Jersey Riders were the best-represented club. The North Jersey
Riders came to the stage and presented a check for $3,700 for the
cause. The checks kept coming from many other persons, bringing the
total for the day to $30,000. The Pompton Plains Chapter of HOG
(Harley Owners Group) was recognized as the best represented AMA
club and Blue Knights NJXIII as the best represented Blue Knights
Chapter. Other awards were given for the youngest rider and the
oldest (83).
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit charitable
organization dedicated to granting wishes to kids with life
threatening illnesses. Many of the children and their families
attend the ride and join in the festivities. It is indeed a joy to
see the faces of these kids when they see the efforts of so many
motorcyclists gathered together to make their dreams come true. So
if exotic equipment, live music, great food, old friends, marvelous
vendors and super auction bargains are what you are looking for,
remember to stop by next year October 14, 2001 for the 13th Annual
Harvey C. Irons Memorial Make-A-Wish Ride. J
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