Community West Foundation: 250-Plus Riders Make 28th Annual Toy Run a Success

Community West Foundation and Rock-n-Roll City Harley-Davidson hosted the 28th Annual Toy Run benefiting Cleveland Clinic Children’s at Fairview Hospital on Saturday, July 8. Over 250 riders came out to support the event which collects toys and raises money for the littlest patients. Participants enjoyed a pancake breakfast, live music and fun with friends for a great cause. All of the riders participating had toys such as stuffed animals strapped to their bikes during the event and signed a giant get well soon card that was delivered to the pediatric patients.

The thirty-mile ride through Cleveland’s westside was scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., but due to afternoon thunderstorms, began an hour early and riders headed directly to Fairview Hospital.

Once the group arrived at Fairview Hospital, they dropped their toy donations in large bins to be taken to the pediatric unit for Child Life to distribute to patients. Mike Stevens, founder of the Toy Run, led the closing ceremony and Tiffany Gray, Fairview Hospital Child Life Manager, thanked the participants for their generosity and commitment to the event over the years. Tiffany also expressed to the riders how important the toys are to the kids who stay at Fairview. She said it helps ease their pain, distract them from their sickness and comforts them during tests. The best part is, they get to take the toys home after their hospital stay.

Fairview NICU raised over $1,000 in their department 50/50 raffle and generously donated it to the Toy Run. American Legion Post 703 surprised everyone with a generous donation of $3,000 bringing the grand total raised to $16,660. After the giant check presentation, remarks concluded and riders were able to head home before the thunderstorms rolled in.

Thank you to the event sponsors including: