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The first Toy Run started because of a conversation at TGIFriday's with a group friends who rode Harley Davidson Motorcycles and wanted to help spread good cheer during the holidays.
The first ride started on Sherman Way at Ghost-Rider Custom Cycles (which has since closed their business) and was supplied with coffee made by my Mom, donuts I purchased at the day old bakery and flyers I printed on my computer. We gave out T-shirts with the Ghost-Rider logo and organized the bikes to start our now historic ride. The 25 mile ride was escorted by our friends (by no means as safe as our now LAPD escort, but it got us there, via freeway) working like a well oiled machine. When we arrived at Children's Hospital, the public relations coordinator, Steve Rutledge was very surprised. He thought our group would bring 30 or so riders and when we showed up with around 150, he knew we would be making this an annual event. Mr. Rutledge said the staff were as excited as the kids to see us arrive and the kids loved to receive toys from the Harley riding Santa. After the riders handed out the toys, we caravanned to Universal City Walk to Country Star for a great buffet. The weather, organizing and event was perfect, a great start of a wonderful annual event.
last updated July 2004