Bikers of Blooming Prairie ride benefits Toys for Tots

Once again, local and area bikers teamed up to show their support for a very worthy cause: the Steele County Toys for Tots program. 
The 16th annual Bikers of Blooming (“BOB”) event, organized by Harvey Farr of J&H Liquors, saw a good turnout once again. The bikers assembled at J&H Liquors on Saturday, July 25. After a few words from Farr and a prayer by the Rev. Charlie Leonard, the group rode out of town on an all-day adventure, which included stops in Rose Creek, LeRoy, Harmony, Spring Valley and Dexter before returning to J&H Liquors for dinner, catered by RJ’s BBQ. 
Jerry Shore, Steele County Toys for Tots coordinator, also stopped by J&H Liquors on Saturday morning to send off the bikers and express his thanks. Last year, Shore says that the Steele County Toys for Tots program brought a little extra joy to around 1,650 kids last December. All donations (including toys, gift cards and monetary donations) stay local and benefit youth in Steele County. 
Shore explains that the program does receive many generous donations, but still needs to purchase more toys each year, helping to ensure that every child receives two gifts. 
“This has been a Godsend to us,” Shore says, referring to the BOB fundraiser.  “It’s really helpful to us.” 
Many bikers participated in the 16th annual event, and enjoyed going for a ride on a sunny summer day. Several BOB bikers also commented that they enjoyed the satisfaction of giving enjoyed the satisfaction of giving back to others and helping area children. 
Raymond Pena and Annette Balzer, of Owatonna, took part in the BOB ride on Saturday for the first time. “We enjoy supporting rides for charity,” Balzer said. “We enjoy meeting new people.” 
Pena and Balzer try to go on as many rides as possible and especially enjoy those that benefit area people or organizations. Last weekend, the two participated in the Ride for Hope, which benefits multiple organizations. There they learned about the BOB ride, and decided to be a part of the fundraiser this year. “We figured it was for a really good cause,” Pena said. 
Saturday brought sunshine and an occasional light breeze, but, Pena says that going for a ride is always a good experience. “It’s always fun, even in the rain,” he said, with a laugh. 
Each rider received a Toys for Tots pin on Saturday, in addition to the appreciation of Shore and the youth who benefit from the Toys for Tots program. Around 70 bikers participated in the event.
“This generous help is very appreciated,” Shore said, expressing his thanks to all the BOB riders and to J&H Liquors. “Without your help, it would be a bleak Christmas for these kids of Steele County.” 
Toys for Tots accepts donations all year long. To learn more, or make a donation, contact Jerry Shore at 507-451-1360.