Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1515062
WheelsOfGrace.com | Volume 15 Issue 1 | 27 By Lifestyle Cycles Story by David Dildine professional speedway riders acting as quality control. The students would walk by the rooms where bikes were being built and you could see the excitement build for the Saturday event. The Thursday before the event, local news crews from NBC and Telemundo met with Junior, Hollywood Dave from Shark Squad, along with a couple families from the school to hype the event in live broadcasts. Santa and the Grinch even showed up for the fun. The day of the event started at Lifestyle Cycles with a pancake breakfast provided by the Black Sheep Harley Davidsons for Christ Motorcycle Ministry. Over 220 riders joined a police escorted parade on the 4 mile ride to the school. They were greeted by over 400 students cheering the police, the riders and Santa who rode in on a Tri Glide. Students had been given different colored wristbands at random in the classroom with siblings who were not students given white bands. Emcee Hollywood Dave and the Shark Squad Dolls pulled wristband colors while students danced to holiday music and ate hot dogs provided by Cisco and FDR. Each group was matched up with bikers who took them into the toy area where each student could choose a bike, scooter, skateboard or 2 toys. The tears of joy from both students and bikers lasted the entire day. Once all students had gone through, their siblings got a chance as well. Every biker in attendance had a story that brought tears to their eyes. Two students who were in wheelchairs chose little cars that could be propelled by the steering wheel. A quiet, shy student who drew a huge card of thanks to the volunteers was Grand Marshall and allowed to go first to choose his gift. Many of the sponsors had carnival games set up for the kids to win more toys and Anaheim PD was there to hand out free helmets to the students. This collaboration was so successful that the extra toys and bikes were given to more than 10 other toy runs. What started in the heart of Junior at Lifestyle Cycles became a reality that will bring memories that will echo into eternity. From sponsors to volunteers to students, all felt that this event was life changing. It didn't start out to be that, but it seemed like God just brought all the right pieces together. The superintendent said no one (including Disney next door) has ever done anything close to what these bikers have done. The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Anaheim, California at Lifestyle Cycles. It doesn't sound like jingle bells and reindeer, but like v-twins and cheering children. For these students, the sound of motorcycles will always bring back memories of a day unlike any other.