Dagny Victoria Gallo Photography: Motorcycle Charity Run

Benefit for St. John of God Outreach Center

I am sure many would say we are crazy for coming out on a day like today on our motorcycles in frigid weather on November 16th. But what many do not know is that the reason we riders join together from all over Long Island especially around the holiday season is because we look to give back to the community and help out local charities that are in need of support and our help.

This year I was surprised to see so many AMA motorcycle clubs come together to show support for the outreach center for St. John of God in Central Islip. St. John of God has been holding the Turkey Ride for the Poor event as it is called for the last three years and because of this outstanding show of support, the church during the past events was able to feed over 300 families from this outreach program from this run they throw every year. All they asked was for a donation of $15 per person or a frozen turkey, we decided to donate cash. Acquiring and transporting a frozen turkey on the bike was an experience we decided we did not need, maybe next year. The ride was scheduled to meet at 10am for sign up registration and collection of turkeys and donations at Suffolk County Harley Davidson on Sunrise Highway in Oakdale, Long Island. While we waited on line to sign up and donate there was a table serving up much needed hot coffee and bagels and of course I did partake not so much for the caffeine but mainly to warm the core.

One of the organizers I spoke with, Ana Sullivan said the outreach program is grateful for opportunities like this to help feed the poor and because of all the donations their pantry is growing bigger every year. Hunger on Long Island is a growing concern to many groups and a cause that we as Long Islanders have been supporting through charity organizations. Jack Vulpis, his wife Sandrine and John Lafferty were on hand to help coordinate the route with our local police escorts and keep everyone informed on our ride. Before we pulled out, Santa Claus also made an appearance to join us with the ride and welcome in the holiday season, just like he does at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Kickstands were up at 12:15pm and we were rolling with Suffolk County Police Departments escort. We rode downtown through historic Central Islip and other quaint neighborhoods which lead us to the front of St. John of God. Organizers planned the route through the neighborhood to keep the locals informed of the event and the good work the bikers were doing. In front on Carleton Avenue was Reverend Christopher Nowak giving all the bikers, passengers and bikes a blessing as we approached the Central Islip Fire Department who was hosting the after party.

CIFD has quite the nice facility and provided the upstairs recreation room for the luncheon. There were raffles tickets and 50/50 chances being sold with complimentary food and refreshments being dished out by church volunteers. Reverend Christopher Nowak the Pastor of St. John of God gave a small speech and blessing thanking everyone in appreciation for their generous donations and time. The Turkey Ride was quite the success.

It was brought to my attention that a second run was happening today for a local biker that lost his leg in a tragic motorcycle accident. The two events unfortunately reduced the numbers for the Turkey Ride, but I am sure the turnout for Uncle Mike was equally as good and also just as important. We wish Mike a swift recovery and hope he gets back in the wind next year.

Furthermore, I would like to say to all that it is so important especially during the holiday season to remember what Thanksgiving means and to give not only your local outreach groups but any group or organization that you can help. You would be surprised how much the little everyone gives could really go a long way. Especially during these tough economical times. With people losing their jobs and having to chose between either heating their home, pay for the electric or put food on the table. Unfortunately, I have been in their shoes and it is not a good situation to be in and that is why I make an extra effort to help those in need through motorcycle runs and other local programs so please make sure you donate this holiday season and help out those in need because some day it could be you. If by any chance anyone out there would like to donate to the outreach center the link is:

stjohnofGodparish.org/outreach.htm

I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving.