Bikers raise funds for March of Dimes

Hoodoo Mountain Resort looked like a Harley Davidson rally last Sunday when approximately 250 riders drove into the parking lot for the annual Bikers for Babies event. The drivers of the shiny smooth-as-steel bikes were there to support the March of Dimes.

This is the second year Bend's March of Dimes has sponsored Bikers for Babies. The events have been held across America since 1992.

"Their mission is to help babies' health," said Chris Huyett, Bend's Community Director.

She became involved with March of Dimes after giving birth to a 1.14-pound baby at St. Charles Medical Center. Hers was the first baby of that size able to stay at St. Charles for all its care.

A testament to the results of hard work and dedication, she started working with March of Dimes as a volunteer, and was later hired as an employee.

Huyett took another pro-active step when she decided Central Oregon needed a local Bikers for Babies event. Huyett spoke passionately about March of Dimes.

"March of Dimes helps parents of any baby born prematurely," Huyett said. "A lot of parents are afraid to handle these babies. Babies feed off those fears. They offer family support classes at neonatal intensive care units to help people understand.

"The March of Dimes funds a lot of medical research. They do not pay for medical care for individuals, but they do have grants," Huyett said. "They also provide grants for diabetes which is often triggered by pregnancy."

Volunteer Sara Mosher has helped put together walk teams for the Annual March for Babies in April.

"I'm a nurse in NICU at St. Charles Hospital and take care of these babies every day," she said. "I just want to support what I'm passionate about."

Biker and event supporter John Watters of Portland also had a premature baby story. Twenty-nine years ago he and his wife had a 2.2-pound baby boy.

"Back then it was rare for a baby that size to survive. I tried to get assistance from a lot of organizations," Watters said "and they were the only ones that ever helped us. Ralph Gottland was the Director of the March of Dimes. I'll never forget him."

Gottland personally handed him a check and plane tickets so his wife could follow their baby to Salt Lake City for care.

People were either there because of their own baby story or because friends invited them to come along.

Julie and Matt Torrey have attended both years.

"My cousin's baby was born premature," Julie said.

They invited a friend this year and he invited two friends.

The event has also drawn star power. Dee Snider, of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister, is the 2009 Bikers for Babies National Spokesperson. Race car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has joined in by offering a raffle of his OCC Custom Chopper. Tickets can still be purchased at http://www.bikersforbabies.org. The drawing is December 8.

Sagebrush Rock entertained the crowd with their brand of rock and roll.

The riders were filled with barbequed chicken, salad, garlic bread and garlic potatoes.

A dozen raffles tempted dollars out of leather pockets including two nights at FivePine Lodge and ski passes at Hoodoo.

People lined up to show off their tattoos, but the crowd pleaser was the softball toss at the dunk tank.

Terry Mooney, Director of the Twin Rivers Roseburg Harley Group, who dunked the "dunkee" twice, said, "Motorcycle clubs are the most giving people. It makes people feel good about what they're doing here. There's nothing more important than what we do for our children."