Columbia Harley-Davidson of Vancouver, WA hosts the 24th annual Emil Kreofsky Memorial Teddy Bear Run on Saturday to benefit the Clark County Sheriff's Department.
Organizers expect between 100 and 150 motorcyclists to participate in the fund-raising event. The Vancouver USA HOG chapter started the ride in 1989 and in 1996 named the ride after Emil Kreofsky, the founder of Columbia Harley-Davidson. The cost to ride is one stuffed teddy bear and $10. Bears and a cash donation are given to the Clark County Santa Posse. Sheriff Deputies carry the teddy bears in the cars while on patrol.
"The purpose to have Teddy Bears in squad cars is just in case an officer comes to a situation where there is a child involved, the stuffed animal might help comfort the child," said Jason M. Rodgers, dealer principal/owner of Columbia Harley Davidson. Kreofsky is the grandfather to Rodgers' wife.
"The route is a fully escorted by the Clark County Sheriff deputies from the Moose Family Center through Vancouver and back to Columbia Harley-Davidson for a Chili Cook-Off," Rodgers said.
The event is rain or shine and all motorcycles are welcome to join the ride. Ride pins are available for the first 100 riders as well as year bars while they last. A 50/50 drawing is also part of the after-ride festivities. Registration is from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Moose Family Center, 11018 N.E. 18 th St. in Vancouver, WA.
Other Rides Scheduled This Weekend
Progressive International Motorcycle Show November 15-17: Billed as a motorcycle extravaganza, this touring motorcycle show visits 12 cities across the country and features a custom bike competition, demo rides, new 2013-14 models and the latest gear and accessories. This weekend the show rolls into the Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway in Atlanta, GA.
Ride for the Fallen November 16: Project Corregidor's Ride for the Fallen event begins with a ceremony at 9 a.m. and a ride at 12 p.m. Saturday at Beef O'Brady's, 205 Apollo Beach Blvd. #108 in Apollo Beach, FL.
Ride for a Cause November 16: The Better Life Foundation & Dixie Thunder host this ride that benefits our veterans. Pre-registration ends Wednesday but you can register in person at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson, 4870 Venture Dr. in Southaven, MS . Kickstands up at 11:30 a.m.
Toy Run November 16: Chuck's Leather hosts their 6th annual Toy Run benefitting the 49th annual Lilly's Children's Christmas Party. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and kickstands up at 11 a.m. Saturday at Cedar Hall, 1721 S Commerce St. in Lockhart, TX.
Haywood County Toy Run November 16: The Wheels Through Time Museum hosts its 10th annual Haywood County Toy Run to support those in need this holiday season. More than 1,500 riders are expected and the 11th annual Motorcycle Raffle piggybacks off the run. Ride is Saturday and starts at the Museum, 62 Vintage Lane in Maggie Valley, NC.
Keystone Ranger Toy Run November 17: The Keystone Neighborhood Watch and Volunteer Fire Department sponsor this ride which benefits the Children of Keystone & Mannford Angel Tree. Registration begins at 1 p.m. and ride starts at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Kmart, 1200 E. Charles Page Blvd. in Sand Springs, OK.