The 34th Annual Toys 4 Tots Run raised an estimated $15,000 following the Nov. 17 event, organizers said.
About 500 motorcyclists — bikers from the Sandollar Motorcycle Club, the Harley Owners Group, The Vietnam Vets/Legacy Vets and the Euro Knights, along with individual riders from Pensacola, Navarre and Mossy Head — participated in the event, which kicked off in Fort Walton Beach. After a 15-mile ride, which included a cruise past the Northwest Florida Regional Airport, the group finished in Niceville at the Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival grounds.
“Annually, the event raises about $15,000 (and) another $10,000 value in toys and more with gift card donations,” said Gene Large, the Harley Owners Group Emerald Coast Florida chapter's membership officer and head road captain.
The club — along with sponsor Heritage Cycles Harley Davidson in Fort Walton Beach — organized the event. Donations went to Toys 4 Tots, Children in Crisis and the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Emerald Coast bikers net $15,000 after 34th Annual Toys 4 Tots Run