LAKE COUNTY–Who was that bearded man? Could it be Santa Claus? Well, he may as well be. Saturday marks the 15th year in Lake County of bikers banding together to bring the holidays to all of the children who may not otherwise have Christmas.
The Toy Run begins promptly at 11 a.m. Riders should meet at 10 a.m. in the Kmart parking lot in Lakeport. The destination is the Lions Clubhouse, 4335 Sylar Lane in Kelseyville where a steak and side dish barbecue for participants will take place for $10.
Live music will be provided by the Public Nuisance Band.
Paul and Barbara Breunig, of Hillside Honda-Yamaha saw a need for this event and collaborated with service organizations.
Taylor”s Tavern of Redwood Valley hosts a pre-Toy Run event each year that raises much needed revenue. It is the main fundraiser for the event. According to the Breunig”s last year almost $8,000 was raised through donations.
“We are a motorcycle dealership, in business for more than 40 years. We want to support Lake County. Lake County supports us. It”s the least we can do for these kids.” Paul Breunig said.
More than 200 attendees will rev up for the cause of Claus. Last year more than 880 children got gifts as a result of the run. Four-wheeled friends joined over the years, proving the spirit of giving is not exclusive to any particular group. In past years, the ?No Name Car Club,” Corvettes of Lake County and the VW Club of Lake County have participated. Riders from Sacramento, Santa Rosa, Ukiah, Willits and Ft. Bragg come to the county to join in the ride that gives so much to children.
In 1992 the Toy Run was an eight-mile trek that began at Kmart and ended at the old Sutter Lakeside Hospital. Now the run circles Clear Lake. The first run took place under foul weather conditions. “It was raining, sleeting, almost snowing, there were 40 motorcycles and five autos. The ride takes place rain or shine, Paul Breunig said.
Bring an unwrapped toy, preferably no stuffed animals, and make Christmas a reality for a Lake County child.
Generous sponsors include: the Christian Motorcycle Association, The Clear Lake Road Riders and the Abate Motorcycle Club chapter 28.
Names of children in need are provided with the assistance of Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Lake Family Resource Center and People”s Services.
For more information contact Hillside Honda ?Yamaha 263-9000.
Mandy Feder can be reached at mfeder@record-bee.com.
