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Organizers estimate that 17,000 to 20,000 motorcycle enthusiasts braved chilly weather to deliver toys and cash donations for the Salvation Army during the 34th annual Olympia Toy Run.
“They’re from all over the place,” said coordinator Joe Sullivan, 68, of Lacey. “It’s just amazing.”
The event last year brought in a whopping $230,000 worth of toys and cash donations for the Salvation Army, he said.
Organizers were hoping this year’s ride would meet, or possibly beat, that number.
“We’re one of the largest toy runs in the United States, and we are the oldest,” said Chuck Goodman, 60, of Olympia, a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association who helped organize the event. “Everything we do – it’s all for the kids.”
When the gates opened at 8 a.m., hundreds of bikers were waiting to line up for the ride, Goodman said.
By 11 a.m., the mall parking lot was a sea of sparkling chrome, black leather and children’s toys, such as teddy bears, dolls and board games.
For many of the participants, it was a time to socialize and gawk.
“We love looking at all of the different kinds of bikes,” said Gina Sibley, 42, of Yelm.
“It’s really fun to come out and see all of the bikers,” added her daughter Roxanne Marshall, 23, of Olympia. “A lot of the times, they tend to be misunderstood.”
Dale Fassio, 58, of Union, and his wife, Sandra, 55, strapped an extra-large Christmas stocking – stuffed with plush toys, hats, mittens and other presents – onto their 2010 Harley Street Glide.
They endured a 40-mile ride in fog and near-freezing temperatures to get to the event, but said it was worth it.
“It’s for a good cause,” he said.
“It’d be nice if they did in it in the summertime and the wintertime,” she added with a laugh.
As in years past, the Olympia Toy Run drew many spectators along the route.
Anne Northrup, 60, of Lacey, staked out a spot along State Avenue. She was watching for her husband, Bill, and their 7-year-old grandson Johnny Tighe.
“That’s become a tradition to ride with grandpa in the Toy Run,” Northrup said. “Our own children rode with him when they were younger.”
Lisa Pemberton: 360-754-5433
lpemberton@theolympian.com
