7th Annual Ride for Special Children & KC Creations Birthday Party!

Having participated in last year’s Ride for Special Children and KC Creations birthday party, I must admit this year’s schedule was very well assembled! The ride started in the cool of the morning and initiated from Central Harley-Davidson’s Shawnee location. Participants were encouraged to arrive early and receive a T-shirt for the first 100 entries. Riders were also treated to a wonderful breakfast of pancakes and sausage, compliments of Chris Cakes from Louisburg, Kansas. KC Chiefs representatives and KC Super Fans were also present to entertain. By 9:30, the group was mounted up and ready to roll.

The designated route led the collection through scenic wooded and hilly back roads, south into Gardner. After a brief stop at Wally’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill, the group was then led by the Pride Riders of Gardner, through the downtown area, then north to Santa Fe Street into Olathe, where they met Highway 7 and traveled further north, to Johnson Drive. From there it was back east then south, until we arrived at the final destination, KC Creations, at I-35 and 75th Street.

Upon our arrival, the crowd of approximately 100 cycles was treated to grilled brats, chips and cold refreshments. The timing was perfect as the birthday party was just getting underway! Live blues and rock music from Blue 88 provided the entertainment. This band is rapidly gaining recognition from biker crowds, thanks to their top notch renditions of classic rock tunes like the Allman Brothers and Santana as well as quality original songs. If you’re headed to Sturgis this year, be sure and catch one of their sets as they will be playing!

The lot was packed full of bikes with barely any place left to drop your kickstand. In addition to the food and music, a silent auction was held, with many wonderful products available from various sponsors across town. Factory representatives from Big Dog Motorcycles were also present, showing off their custom built motorcycles that are available from KC Creations. Inside the store, several custom creations were on display. This past year, Kim was nationally recognized by the Discovery Channel for his custom bike builds (see the July cover bike, the 2006 Dominatrix). The colorful and well stocked store has many varied products available from various manufactures. Several items were discounted and were rapidly finding their way out the door!

As much fun as the birthday party was, it’s important to remember the cause for which the ride was being held. First Downs for Down Syndrome (FDFDS) is a 501(c)3 organization that teams with the Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Line to raise money for Down syndrome organization, raise awareness of Down syndrome and to create positive images of those with Down syndrome. FDFDS is supported solely through tax deductible contributions and participating in special events and fundraisers held throughout the year. These fundraisers, in addition to the significant generosity of area corporate sponsors, ensure consistent funding of the Down Syndrome Guild and the Down Syndrome Clinic at Children’s Mercy Hospital, as well as additional funding for other Down syndrome organizations.

There are hundreds of families in the Greater Kansas City area caring for a loved one with Down syndrome. Without FDFDS, these families would not have local access to the vital medical, emotional, educational and support services they need.

Special thanks to Kim and Cheryl Suter of KC Creations for their commitment to this important cause and to Jimmy Jack Clayton for his assistance with the ride!

For more information or to help out First Downs for Downs Syndrome, please contact Amy Stoll, Executive Director of FDFDS at 816-237-1200

By Nic