The plan was to bring toys for the children
of Utica, to replace those lost in the tornado, and to bring
some surplus Parade sweatshirts for the volunteer firefighters
and other emergency workers. The group of riders waited
in the Staging Center outside of Utica, until the proper
clearances could be obtained to enter the town.
As they
waited, a load of donated of supplies had to be loaded into
Salvation Army trucks to take into the town, and the riders were
quick to assist. Then an excited Red Cross
worker announced that she was in desperate need for
helpers to prepare dinners for the hundreds of emergency
workers. The riders offered their services and were soon
chopping potatoes and vegetables in the kitchen. TFT
Parade founder Ed "Aminal" Wisniewski could be
seen slicing onions; he hasn't forgotten his KP training.
Soon the riders were granted
clearance and were divided into two groups. One
group was placed in the Community Center and distributed the
toys and Parade shirts, while the other group cleaned up the
area around the elementary school, and focused on the baseball
diamond.
In the Community Center, Parade
President Bob Kuczera introduced the riders to the
volunteers and residents, and invited them to take toys for
deserving children, or to bring the children into the center
to select their own toys. As the emergency workers and
firefighters came into the center for dinner and a well
deserved break, all were given TFT Parade shirts, and thanked
for their efforts.
During those following hours, dozens
of Utica residents, including the Mayor himself, thanked the
riders for coming and bringing their gifts.
That Sunday, The Parade Organization had
donated approximately $7000 worth of toys and Parade
merchandise to the victims of the Utica Tornado of 2004.
TFT Parade featured on
"Corbin's Ride On"
Be sure to watch "Corbin's Ride
On" TOMORROW, Tuesday, May 11th at 8:30PM, as they visit
The 2003 Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade. Host Brian Jackson
and his production crew, heard of our event and wanted to experience it for
themselves and share it with America. "Corbin's Ride On" can
be seen on the SPEED Channel on Tuesdays at 8:30pm, Wednesdays at 12:30am and
7:00am, and Saturdays at 7am, Chicago time.
Since each episode is broadcast at four different
times, and will be aired three times during the season, that means that
The Parade show will be seen twelve times during the year.
For more info, and to see highlights of the show, go to http://www.rideontv.com/ .
If you don't have cable or satellite TV, we will
be showing the "Corbin's Ride On" episode that features the TFT
Parade at the Board Meeting on May 18, 2004. That's at the Stempien
VFW at 47th Street and Tripp Avenue, starting at 8pm.
The Green Ribbon
Motorcycle Ride and Rally
The Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade is
proud to be one of the supporting sponsors of the Second Annual Green Ribbon
Ride and Rally on Sunday, June 13, 2004. The Rally is organized by The
Gastro Intestinal and Liver Disease development Council for the benefit of the
University of Illinois at the Chicago Medical Center. Donations help fund
educational, research and clinical activities at the Digestive Disease and
Liver Center.
Last year's event was a great time, and this year even
more fun and surprises are planned. Three Observation Rides, starting
from the northern, western, and southern suburbs, will head for the Rally
site at The Plumber's Hall at 1340 West Washington in Chicago, 60607, on the
morning of the Rally. $30 registration at the door, or only $20 if you
register before June 7.
There will be fun for everyone, including
lots of door prizes, awards, food, refreshments, an auction, raffles,a bike
show, live music, and more! Plus meet George Wendt, "Norm"
from "Cheers". And be sure to stop at The TFT Parade booth where
there will be Parade collectibles for sale, and information on how to become a
Parade Volunteer.
For more information go to the Green Ribbon Ride and
Rally Web site at http://greenribbonrally.org/ .
NEW! NEW!
NEW! President Cooch's Column... Click
here
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Archived
Updates
#46
Mar, 2004
#45
Feb, 2004
#44
Jan, 2004
#43
Dec. 11, 2003
#42
Dec, 2003
#41
Nov., 2003
#40
Nov., 2003
#39
Oct., 2003
#38
Sept., 2003
#37
August, 2003
#36
July, 2003
#35
June, 2003
#34
May, 2003
#33
April, 2003
#32
Feb., 2003
#31
Dec, 2002
#30
Dec., 2002
#29
Nov, 2002
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