Enduring Partnerships
Wings of Gold Motorcycle Club and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital - "Christmas Toys in the Sun Run" 
by Debbie Amchair

The Wings of Gold Motorcycle Club was founded in 1987, almost 20 years ago. The main function is to help the needy children and the communities of South Florida and much time is given to local charities, as well as nationally. The Wings of Gold is the primary Club for the world’s largest toy run known as the SFPC Christmas Toys in the Sun Run. Over the years the Club, along with the South Florida President’s Council, has raised millions of dollars for the benefit of Children’s Cancer Caring and Hoe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, as well as Chris Everett Children’s Hospital at Broward General. Over 10 million dollars in toys has also been given to the three Counties, Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade. All these toys are distributed by the Fraternal Order of Police District 5 and is overseen by Ralph Dean and a staff of volunteers year after year.

The Toy Run is a task that takes a whole year of planning. Last year $514.000 was raised and not only the Children’s Hospital benefited, but also thousands of children received toys for Christmas who might not have otherwise. The Club also does a Tatto Expo every year that benefits the Hoe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital as well as the Concerns of Police Survivors. Each year, $20,000 is donated to their fund for children and spouses whose parent or spouse was killed in the line of duty. In addition, Las year over 300 new bicycles were collected and distributed by a Bicycle Drive that the Club started with a local magazine writer, Nate Jordan. This year, over 500 new bicycles have already been collected for the December 4th Toy Run.

The Worlds largest toy run brought 32,000 motorcycles to Markham Park in Sunrise last year. All three interstates are closed to allow the motorcycles to be safely escorted to the park. The lead group was Grand Marshalled by Sheriff Ken Jenne, as well as Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi, Richie Supra and nine judges, Broward and Dade Sen/Council, Jim Scott, Lori Parrish, 3 Police Chiefs. Sponsors including the Seminole Indians, Bruce Rossmeyer of Fort Lauderdale Harley Davidson, Phil Peterson of Miami Harley Davidson, Rick and Rita Case of Rick Case Honda and many other dignitaries. The Toy Run is certainly the largest event for charity. Over 72,000 people wound up at the park to enjoy the festivities, including over 100 vendors selling clothing, shoes, sunglasses, leathers, motorcycles, cars and more, as well as a huge classic car show and children’s activities. Non-bykers are enjoying this event year after year now.

The Clear Channel station Big 105.9 is one of the main sponsors of the event as well. Las year people had the opportunity to see Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi, Richie Supra, famed songwriter and the Pat Travers Band on stage at the same time in an exclusive jam session. Blue Oyster Cult will be on stage with them this year.

The Wings of Gold Motorcycle Club is certainly a unique motorcycle club that combines the motorcycle world of bykers and the community, as well as other Chapters performing similar tasks in their region. Because of their involvement in fundraising and caring, other motorcycle clubs have become inspired and are helping as well. The Wings of Gold has also helped the Latin community with toys for their needy children every year, specially Hialeah and Miami.