Big bikes and big hearts apparently will go hand-in-hand next month.
Park Lawn, which assists people with developmental disabilities in the Southlands, will host on May 15 its 19th Annual Big Bikes Big Hearts Charity Motorcycle Ride.
The 100 mile trip starts at At The Office Sports Bar and Grill, 4901 Cal Sag Road in Crestwood. The group plans to stop at the Drunken Monkey in Grant Park, Three Monkey’s Pub in Crown Point before ending at Sullivan’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 4460 W. 147th St. in Midlothian.
“Bikers look forward coming out every year, supporting our mission of providing services that promote independence, choice and access to community living for people with developmental disabilities,” said Cynthia San Miguel, marketing manager for Park Lawn. “The route is changed every year to keep things interesting for the bikers.”
The event’s organizers are anticipating 800 bikers this year, according to San Miguel, surpassing last year’s participates of about 700.
Proceeds from the event will support Park Lawn’s mission of providing services that promote independence, choice and access to community living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Park Lawn started as a non-profit organization in Oak Lawn and spread to several south suburban communities offering several programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Park Lawn’s mission is to provide services that promote independence, choice and access to community living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“The event was inspired because we wanted to reach out to the motorcycle rider population and increase community awareness for Park Lawn,” San Miguel said. “It is important to bring awareness to the abilities of our participants. They have jobs in the community and volunteer their time to many organizations.”
Over the past 18 years, the event has raised $ 148,127 for Park Lawn’s programs and services.
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“It is heartwarming to see the generosity of our prize donors and bikers’ enthusiasm . . .,”said Nancy Schmitz, director of development at Park Lawn.
Breakfast will be served at the Crestwood site at 8 a.m. for $5. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the group is scheduled to leave Crestwood at 10 a.m The registration fee is $25 per rider and $5 per passenger.
Sponsors of the event include At The Office Sports Bar and Grill, Sullivan’s Irish Pub & Eatery, Drunken Monkey, Three Monkeys Pub, Chicago Sprinklers Fitters Local 281, A.B.A.T.E., Toys for Tots, Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run.
A post event party will be Sullivan’s, starting at 1:30 p.m. with a $15 entry fee. Live music will be provided by Rock Star Rodeo and Perry Hutchins.
To register for the ride or to purchase raffle tickets visit: www.parklawn.com/events or call the Park Lawn Development Office at (708) 425-6867.