By Ron Cox (See Video At Bottom of Page)

In its biggest and best run yet, more than 650 motorcycles and 900 bikers and passengers registered at H-D Ft. Myers for the 8th Annual Easter Bunny Toy Run on April 23rd. The run is put on by SW FL HOG and co-hosted by the dealership. Children’s Hospital at HealthPark is the recipient of the biker’s generosity and give they did, not just bringing one toy but toys, boxed games and arts/crafts supplies by the bagful.

A pre-run Bike Night was held at the dealership on Friday night where burgers, hot dogs and soft drinks were available for $1. The proceeds went into the kitty to underwrite the cost of the run. More than 500 people signed up in advance and avoided the usual crush at registration Saturday morning.

Saturday morning the bikers were welcomed with free coffee and pastries supplied by Bob Evans Restaurants. Momentum was beginning to build as more and more riders and passengers arrived.

Kickstands went up promptly at 11am and the escort provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Department led the way.  Ambulatory patients were brought down from the children’s wards and along with their caregivers waited for the arrival of the fuzzy one. Excitement was building as the rumble of hundreds of motorcycles could be heard in the distance. The louder the rumble the more the buzz. The arrival of the Bunny was greeted with loud cheers and applause even from patients connected to IV’s.

Once inside the big receptacle for toys was quickly filled to overflowing. An additional linen cart on wheels was rushed into service for additional gifts. The Easter Bunny was besieged by patients and their families wanting to take pictures. Almost as many bikers as kids wanted a photo op with the Bunny.

Little by little the bikers slipped away and returned to H-D Ft. Myers for the free boxed lunch provided by Jason’s Deli, ice cream sandwiches donated by McArthur’s Daily and unlimited soft drinks and water provided by Coca-Cola. Jack’s DJ Service provided the entertainment and announced the raffle prize winners and the winner of the 50/50 drawing, Hope Morgrage.

After seeing what some of the patients are going through many of the bikers left with a warm and fuzzy feeling for doing something for the kids and vowing to come back next year.

The event is the brainchild of founder (and the Easter Bunny) Jack Fenwick. Upon touring the hospital eight years ago, Fenwick noticed a lack of playthings for the youthful patients. After conferring with Chapter members and receiving the approval of the hospital’s administration, the run was launched.

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The Easter Bunny Run Video For Health Park

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