By Ron Cox

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The SWFL Chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) and Six Bends Harley-Davidson hosted its 12th Annual Easter Bunny Toy Run on Saturday April 4th. The run is always held on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. The “Bunny Run” marks the first run held at Six Bends HD’s new location, the old dealership was Ft. Myers HD.

Almost 600 bikes and more than 850 riders/passengers assembled for the ride to Golisano Children’s Hospital at Health Park. The ride was escorted by motors and cruisers from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department.

Festivities started on Friday night with pre-registration and bike night at Six Bends. Riders received a packet of goodies which included info from local businesses, a beverage coozie and the commemorative pin. The Gotta Luv It band entertained with lots of Rock, Motown and Oldies. Of special interest was a card with details regarding the 2015 Florida HOG Rally which will be hosted by Six Bends HD, called The Roar to the Shore.

The weather on Saturday morning couldn’t have been better. Clear blue skies and low humidity. There was more than adequate parking and chapter volunteers lined up the row upon row of bikes. At the appointed time the Easter Bunny appeared and led the procession of bikes on the 17 mile ride to the hospital.

Hospital staff brought the ambulatory patients down to the entrance to watch the motorcycles ride by. More than one youngster (and adult) covered their ears as the bikes rode by.

Once inside, the Easter Bunny was the center of attention as he greeted each child with a small gift. A huge Harley crate decorated like an Easter basket was filled to overflowing with toys, boxed games and arts/crafts supplies brought by the riders. Linen carts and plastic bins were on hand and filled with the overflow. Lee Memorial Health System President Jim Nathan spoke briefly, welcomed and thanked the riders for their support.

After months of planning another Easter Bunny Toy Run is in the books and planning starts for next year’s run.