HeartThrob Ball
Teddy Bear Ride
Golf Outing
The Heart Throb Ball, a black-tie celebration, has raised money for the children of Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for over a decade. Our Courage Awards were presented at the HTB on April 5, 2008 at the Intercontinental Hotel. Click here to download the flyer. Please call Christine Slomberg at 216-448-6032 if you would like to find out more about our HTB.
Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital's 22nd Annual Teddy Bear Ride
The 22nd Annual Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital Teddy Bear Ride on Sunday June 1st brought in over 15,000 stuffed animals, hundreds of books, and over $20,000 in revenue for the hospital's children and programs.
Approximately 12,000 bikes and over 13,000 motorcyclists participated in the event, which was the most successful ever. "The children love the bears," said Dr. Robert Wyllie, Physician-in-Chief of the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital. "Thanks to the generosity of the motorcyclists and our sponsors, these toys will bring smiles to many young faces. We hand them out all year long to children who are undergoing medical procedures, recovering from illness or surgery, or just need a lift during a difficult time."
Since its beginning in 1986, the annual Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital event has been supported by the Northeast Ohio chapters of the international Gold Wing Road Riders organization. Also important to the event each year are the retired or off-service police from area Blue Knights organizations, who use their personal motorcycles to stop traffic onto the 71 North freeway while police from Cleveland area communities escort the riders from the IX Center onto a closed Chester Avenue.
The 71 North freeway into downtown is only closed for two occasions: whenever the President of the United States is in town, and for the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital Annual Teddy Bear Ride Seeing a seven mile-long line of teddy bear-filled motorcycles cruising down the freeway into downtown Cleveland is an unforgettable sight! And knowing that these teddy bears will end up in the arms of the young children awaiting them is something special for the riders, families, and especially the patients.
This year, our parade was led by popular WNCX air personality, Paula Balish, as well as other notable community leaders. Over 200 volunteers from every division in the Cleveland Clinic greeted the bikers and accepted the toys at the Crile Building on the hospital's main campus. For the first time, a Biker Fashion Show, coordinated with the Cleveland Harley Davidson Sales Company, featured new styles from the foremost motorcycle clothier. Followed by a dance presentation to the sounds of cycle music by Cleveland Ballroom. A BBQmeal was also available at the finish line this year, plus other snacks & beverages available for purchase at both locations. Thanks to donations from Ohio Farmers and other companies, the bikers enjoyed refreshments and music outside the building in perfect weather.
But the real pleasure of the Teddy Bear Ride was watching the children's faces light up as they got out of their hospital rooms to enjoy the fun. "My wife and I do charity rides all over the country," said one biker during the event. "This one is the best."
Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital's 14th Annual Golf Outing
Our golf outing is scheduled for August 11, 2008 at the Mayfield Country Club in South Euclid. In addition to playing golf you can get involved by donating items for our auction, raffle, and prizes. The proceeds raised support important programs such as Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital Pediatric Heart/Lung Transplant Center; Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism that includes a year-round school; and a week-long overnight "Fresh Air Camp" for kids who are ventilator-dependent. Please contact Christine Slomberg at 216-448-6032 for more details.
