For the past twenty-three years Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, in collaboration with the Northern Ohio Gold Wing Road Riders Association and the Blue Knights motorcycle chapters, have hosted its very own annual Teddy Bear Ride. This year our ride will take place on Sunday, August 9, 2009.
Every summer, thousands of bikers from all over Ohio and surrounding states come together with one objective in mind: to support the pediatric patients at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital. The tradition of the Teddy Bear Ride calls for each rider to bring a new teddy bear, book or other toy as a donation for our pediatric patients.
These bears, books and other gifts are then distributed to Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital patients and families throughout the year. Participants also have the opportunity to make cash donations. And each year dozens of volunteers from the Children's Hospital, Cleveland Clinic and the community join together to make certain that the ride goes smoothly and that those who donate are appropriately thanked by the medical staff and the patient families.
Seeing a miles-long line of teddy bear-filled motorcycles cruising down the freeways and 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, the families, and especially the patients.
Last year, our parade was led by popular WNCX air personality, Paula Balish, as well as other notable community leaders.
Riders were invited to bring a new teddy bear or similar new plush toy or child's book for donation to Children's Hospital. These items were dropped off at the designated location in the Clinic's Crile Building. These items are then distributed to children and families at the hospital throughout the year.
Riders could also make a cash donation to Children's Hospital during the event. Several excellent prizes, including Continental Airlines tickets, merchandise, meals and hotel packages, were raffled off at Cleveland Clinic following the arrival of the riders. Greeted by local entertainment and a tasty cook out from AVI Fresh Direct for just $5 at Cleveland Clinic's Crile Building, plus other snacks & beverages will be available for purchase at both locations.
To donate funds to Children's Hospital, please call 216.445.1038. Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital has a dedicated staff of nearly 200 physicians and 400 nursing professionals who provide exceptional care to children from northeast Ohio and around the nation.
Our hospital offers advanced medical care and rehabilitation services for acute illnesses and injuries, as well as chronic and disabling conditions. Children with serious or complex medical problems such as congenital heart disease, cancer, epilepsy and digestive disorders are treated at our main campus. Our Shaker Campus offers developmental and rehabilitation services to promote functional independence in children who are technology-dependent or who have autism, feeding disorders or neurodevelopmental issues. Children's Hospital pediatricians also provide primary care at Cleveland Clinic Family Health Centers throughout Northern Ohio.
