WHAT:
For the 19th consecutive year, more than 100 motorcyclists and friends from the Southern California Anaheim-Fullerton H.O.G. (Harley Owner's Group) chapter will caravan on their bikes to deliver hundreds of holiday gifts for pediatric patients at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital. Hospital staff and young patients will greet the bikers and get a chance to see and even sit on the Harleys. Bikers will form a "love line" to unload hundreds of toys, which will be distributed to pediatric patients during the holiday season and at other special times throughout the year.
WHEN:
9:15 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 23.
WHERE:
UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital (757 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90095)
The event is at the Mattel Hospital entrance, located at Gayley Avenue and Charles E. Young Drive.
PARKING:
Media trucks may park in the yellow loading zone on Gayley Avenue. All other vehicles can obtain a parking pass at Lot 1, located on Gayley Avenue. Passes will be under "Harley Biker Toy Run."
PHOTO & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
- 9:159:30 a.m.: Motorcyclists begin arriving in waves at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital; pediatric patients and medical staff will be there to greet them.
- 10 a.m.: Motorcyclists will form a "love line" to unload the toys from a truck.
- 10:30 a.m.: Hospital officials and pediatric patients will thank event organizer Joyce Savisky-Chance and bikers.
BACKGROUND:
Joyce Savisky-Chance, whose young son Johnnie was a patient at UCLA many years ago, started the annual event in his memory after he died following a long battle with cancer. UCLA's Child Life department distributes the toys to hospitalized children's parents, who often do not have the time or funds to shop for holiday gifts. Gifts are also distributed throughout the year to help celebrate patient's birthdays or after medical procedures. To view a video of last year's toy run, visit www.newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/electronicplay.aspx?fid=16537&id=E0C5478.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Amy Albin, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital Media Relations, 310-794-8672 (office) or 310-597-5765 (cell)
