400-Plus Riders Make 20th Annual Toy Run a Success

The 20th annual Toy Run to benefit pediatric patients was a success the morning of Sunday, July 12 as over 400 motorcyclists rode from Lake Erie Harley-Davidson on Chester Road in Avon to Fairview Hospital with toys and gifts.

“Despite a very rainy morning and ride, over 400 riders participated in the 20th Annual Fairview Hospital Toy Run,” said Lake Erie Harley-Davidson President Mike Stevens. “This year we partnered with and rode through Crocker Park!

“Sunday we raised over $6,800 and hundreds of toys bringing the total to over $100,000 and more than 20,000 toys in the last 20 years A BIG thanks to all the determined riders.”

Fairview Hospital President Dr. Neil Smith was on hand to greet riders as they rumbled over the Lorain Road bridge and entered hospital grounds with a police escort.

: Lake Erie Harley-Davidson Owner, Mike Stevens, led over 400 riders from Lake Erie Harley-Davidson in Avon to Fairview Hospital.

: Child Life Coordinator Sandy Criswell displays an example of the colorful light panels for the pediatric unit as Fairview Hospital President Dr. Neil Smith and Lake Erie Harley-Davidson Owner Mike Stevens look on.

Dr. Smith was joined by Child Life Coordinator Sandy Criswell in expressing the hospital’s gratitude on behalf of their pediatric patients. She displayed a colorful light panel depicting an aquarium scene and report that some of the donated funds will be used to install these panels in ceiling lights at the hospital to give children a brighter outlook.

Stevens also made a special gesture to Toy Run founder Gary Klemens, who took part in the ride. Klemens started the ride two decades ago to express gratitude to the doctors and staff at Fairview who cared for his late wife back in 1999.

“It was great. So glad to be apart of it,” commented one participant. “It was a great ride no matter the weather – can’t wait for the next one,” said another.