Members of the Unwanted Motorcycle Club reached their ninth year visiting patients on Christmas Eve at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
The rumble of motorcycles on Blackford Street was a clue something exciting was about to happen. 20 motorcyclists in leather vests and chaps walked into the hospital carrying teddy bears. For nine years, it has become a tradition the club members look forward to every holiday season.
“We come every Christmas Eve and give a teddy bear to every patient at the hospital,” said club treasurer Russ Robbins. “It is a privilege for us to be here and be able to do it. Just to see the smiles and families getting excited is very rewarding.”
The club’s devotion to Children’s Hospital has been tremendous over the years. This year, their annual poker run raised $7,000 for Children’s Hospital and was donated in memory of club founder and Children’s Hospital supporter, Terry Yates.
The Unwanted Motorcycle Club was formed by fire, police and military personnel who share the same interest in riding motorcycles while maintaining a brotherhood of honoring those in “noble professions.”
Anthony Dills, a 13-year-old from Rocky Face, Ga., receives a teddy bear from the Unwanted Motorcycle Club during his stay at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger on Christmas Eve.