Community West Foundation’s 21st Annual ‘Toy Run’ Attracts 500-Plus Riders

Dr. Neil Smith, President, Fairview Hospital accepts a check for $6,800 from Mike Stevens, Owner, Lake Erie Harley-Davidson for the Fairview Hospital Pediatric Department.

The 21st annual Toy Run to benefit pediatric patients at Fairview Hospital was a success the morning of Sunday, July 10 as over 500 motorcyclists rode from Lake Erie Harley-Davidson on Chester Road in Avon to Fairview with toys and gifts.

“This ride was started 21 years ago by my dad (George Stevens) and Gary Klemens,” said Lake Erie Harley-Davidson President Mike Stevens. “They wanted to give back, and with the support of so many riders, we have been able to give back to the kids here at the hospital all these years,”

Fairview Hospital Child Life Coordinator Sandy Criswell with her mother Marlene Dole, thanking the Toy Run participants for their generosity.

Bright blue skies greeted the riders the entire length of the trip, which included a pass through Crocker Park – quite a sight for onlookers out for a Sunday shopping trip or brunch!

The event is one of the important fundraisers hosted by Community West Foundation each summer, raising support specifically for the Pediatric Emergency Room and Pediatric Unit at Fairivew Hospital.

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. Dr. Smith turned the microphone over to Child Life Coordinator Sandy Criswell, who shared the hospital’s gratitude on behalf of their pediatric patients.

She displayed a colorful poster board of highlights from the run and also shared testimonial letters from young patients who wrote thank you notes from past rides. The notes come from a scrap book she has kept, dating back to 2002 from past Toy Runs!