'Angels on wheels' gather for Toy Run
Date: 10/6/2009
By Lori Szepelak
Correspondent
WEST SPRINGFIELD -- "Angels on wheels."
That's how Brenda McCormick, vice president of fund development, Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS), describes all of the motorcyclists who gather each year for the Toy Run to benefit Brightside for Families and Children.
Now in its 20th year, McCormick welcomes bikers from across New England to bring unwrapped toys for children or gift cards and cash which allows Brightside staff to purchase holiday gifts personalized to each child's needs and wishes.
"You haven't understood heavy metal thunder until you hear the sound of 3,000 riders, angels on wheels, arriving at Brightside," McCormick said during an interview with Reminder Publications. "The event is legend, passed by the children from year to year and the anticipation is keen while they wait to hear the sound."
McCormick pointed out she has never met a child who isn't "exuberant" about the sights and sounds of the event.
"Children who have suffered trauma who have not often had people go out of their way for them suddenly have this outpouring of love, literally right in their backyard," McCormick added. "It is a powerful lesson, one that we talk about both before and after the event."
McCormick said that the generosity and genuine fellowship exhibited by the bikers demonstrates to the children that there is hope for a different life, a different way of building trust, and that there are people who care for others in this world.
Mark Soticheck, owner of Hog Wild Cycles in West Springfield, is one of those bikers who McCormick talks about fondly.
On a recent fall weekday afternoon, Soticheck took time away from his new business to talk about his yearly participation in the Toy Run and why others should take to the road to brighten the lives of children at Brightside.
"It's always a memorable experience," he said, noting he has participated in all but one of the Toy Runs. "It's an honor to do this for the kids who need support."
Hog Wild Cycles is also the major sponsor of this year's Toy Run.
Soticheck added his bout two years ago with cancer put his life into perspective.
"You have to know when it's time to give back," he said, adding there are many "excellent local charities" to support but for him, Brightside will always be close to his heart.
Over the years Soticheck has strode up the hill to Brightside on his Harley Road King Classic with thousands of bikers bearing gifts of life-size stuffed animals and musical instruments including an organ.
"The kids thank us for taking the time to think about them," he said. "I look forward to the Toy Run every year."
Brightside is a comprehensive non-profit child welfare, mental health and family support center offering contemporary services for children, adolescents and their families, according to McCormick. Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Providence as an orphanage, Brightside's long tradition of caring for children continues today with a range of therapeutic and educational services.
McCormick noted that for motorcyclists participating in the Toy Run, Brightside's "greatest need" is gifts for adolescent-aged students and residents.
Motorcyclists will start lining up on Oct. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Walmart parking lot at 591 Memorial Dr., Chicopee, with a departure time of noon, ending at Brightside, 2112 Riverdale St., West Springfield. A complimentary continental breakfast (while supplies last) will also be featured from 8 to 10 a.m. at Hog Wild Cycles, 136 Bliss St.
Once bikers arrive at Brightside, coffee and hot chocolate will be offered to take off the chill from the fall ride -- and 4,000 cookies "baked with love" will also be provided, according to McCormick.
"We are celebrating two decades of friendship, sincere generosity and continued commitment of the many motorcycle enthusiasts who have become ambassadors for the work that we do to support children and families at Brightside," McCormick said. "We have aged well together and look forward to 20 more years of friendship."
New this year is a commemorative black long-sleeved T-shirt that reads "Look on the Brightside Toy Run" with a teddy bear on a motorcycle that will be available for $20.
Non-riders are welcome to donate cash, gift cards or new, unwrapped toys for children 10 years of age and older by bringing their donations to the Walmart gathering place.
For more information on the Toy Run that is planned rain or shine, contact Deidre Treanor, fund development, SPHS, at 748-9997.
