Motorcycle Irish Run for special needs at Park Lawn

Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts are encouraged to wear their Irish green apparel for local non-profit Park Lawn’s 15th Annual Big Bikes, Big Hearts (BBBH) Motorcycle Run scheduled for May 20th.  All proceeds will benefit the programs and services individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities.

The entire route and event is coordinated by a committee of motorcycle enthusiasts including Steve and Patricia Bonk; Mark Miller; Doug and Donna Partl; and Frank Gassmere.

In 1997, the first BBBH event attracted around 200 bikers.  In past years, more than 700 bikers arrived to ride for Park Lawn. 

The past few years had a theme to encourage the bikers to have fun while raising funds for Park Lawn.  This year’s run is an Irish theme and the BBBH committee wants motorcyclist to ride for the mission and the Pot O’ Gold.  Riders need not be Irish to ride; they can just look the part that day.  There will be a costume contest for the best looking Irish man and woman.  Everyone interested in attending should figure out how their Irish Kilt will work on the motorcycle.

Registration begins at 8:30 AM at Tilted Kilt, 6401 W. 95th St. Chicago Ridge with the first bikes out at 10:00 AM and last bikes out by 11:00 AM. Breakfast will be offered at the Tilted Kilt and portion of the breakfast proceeds will be donated back to Park Lawn.  Included in the entrance fee are raffles, door prizes, a bike show, run pins to the first 700 bikers and live music and food at the post run party.

Non-run participants are invited to the post run party at Sullivan’s Irish Pub and Eatery in Midlothian, where there will be live music by Rock Star Rodeo and Nygel Ajax Band beginning at 2:30 PM.  Everyone can receive more information and register online at www.parklawn.com/events  or call 708-425-6867.  Registration fee is $25/rider and $5/passenger. In the event of inclement weather, the post run party will not be cancelled.

The BBBH committee members and Park Lawn anticipate another successful year due to the help and support from local sponsors such as 4 Rebels Premium Vodka, A.B.A.T.E, Chi-Town Harley Davidson, Hupy and Abrahams, Keller Williams Preferred Realty, Klein Tools, Rt. 50 North in Manteno, Stella’s in Romeoville, Sullivan’s Irish Pub & Eatery in Midlothian, Toys for Tots, Tilted Kilt in Chicago Ridge.

Big Bikes, Big Hearts is a charity event hosted by Park Lawn, a local non-profit organization that provides programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Park Lawn’s mission is to provide services that promote independence, choice and access to community living for people with developmental disabilities.  We provide services for adults between 21 through 70+ years old.  Attending this event will provide better medical care and encourage independence for individuals with developmental disabilities.  More information about Park Lawn can be found at www.parklawn.com.