Women Build 2012

Her team of ladies – yes ALL ladies – are joining forces with other women to build a home in Grass Valley for a single mom and her daughter, survivors of domestic violence. Visit Ina’s Team Webpage (her team name is Sierra Solar Sisters) for all the details, photos and to make a donation.  Here is a bit of info from her email we received:

The final building phase starts in May and will be complete in late June or early July.  While we do our share of hammering, hauling and painting, materials for the home are needed so it can be built. Every little bit helps, and just a few dollars can supply a can of paint or a tube of caulk – which, by the way, I’m pretty handy in that department ;o)

Thank you for considering ~ I appreciate it very much!
Cheers,
Ina

Thanks for checking it out!   Thom @ The Toy Run

The Union today published their yearly announcement of “Nevada County’s Best of 2011″. Coming in as ‘Runner Up’ in the category of “Best Charitable Event of the Year” was, wait… Nevada County Food and Toy Run!

Yes, I thought the fix might have been in, but was assured by Union Publisher, Jeff Ackerman, that all was legit! We don’t know who to thank, except you, who have supported us and have ridden in the Run. Today, runner up… tomorrow, the World!
Thanks again to everyone who voted for us ~
Thom, NC Food & Toy Run Founder

We’re happy to be your information source for Gold Country motorcycle benefit rides and poker runs. Check back often or sign up for “Hot off the Press” and get updates right to your inbox!

Thom Staser never intended to be a leather-wearing Santa Claus.

All he really wanted to do 20 years ago was have the freedom to choose whether or not to wear a helmet when he rode his motorcycle along California's streets, roads and highways.

Fortunately for the estimated 24,000 children who have since been served, and the thousands of motorcyclists and others who have helped serve them, Staser took some of that pent-up frustration with the state's helmet laws and channeled it into the Nevada County Toy Run, which will celebrate its 20th year on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Growing up in Nevada County (he moved here with his parents in 1957) Staser said he'd always loved motorcycles. “Back then there were a lot of places to ride dirt bikes,” he recalled, “and I rode everywhere.”

When the state lawmakers proposed a helmet law, Staser became one of Northern California's most vocal opponents.

“For me it came down to choice and I believed, and still do, that people have a right to choose when it comes to their own safety,” he said.

What Staser discovered was that he had a knack for grassroots organizing and with the help of a few friends started the first Nevada County Toy Run. “I think we had maybe 90 bikes that first year,” he remembered. “This year we hope to see 1,500 to 2,000 bikes, which will allow us to serve maybe 1,200 or so kids.”

Riders — each one carrying a toy or food item to donate — gather at the Nevada County government center (Rood Center) on Maidu Ave. in Nevada City at 9 a.m. (there will be coffee and doughnuts) and riders take off from there and head to the Nevada County Fairgrounds at noon. The route is mostly off the freeway, as riders roll slowly down Nevada City's Broad Street, up over the old Nevada City Highway, into Grass Valley along Main and Mill streets downtown and over to the fairgrounds.

“Spectators generally line the streets because they know they will see every kind of motorcycle known to man,” said Staser. “Helmets are mandatory and we really want to discourage the bikers from throwing candy.

“We haven't had an accident in 20 years and we'd like to keep it that way.”

The parade of bikes moves at a relatively slow pace, especially through the two downtown corridors. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office, Search and Rescue team, Nevada City and Grass Valley police departments and the Highway Patrol help keep things moving along, holding traffic at critical intersections until the bikes can safely pass.

“We have worked hard to develop a great relationship with local law enforcement and we just wouldn't be able to pull this off without their help,” said Staser.

Once the bikers reach the fairgrounds with their toys and food, volunteers gather them up and prepare them for the children and their families, mostly referred to the Toy Run by Head Start, or Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“We don't refuse any child,” said Staser. “And the demand has never been greater.”

Those unable to participate in the Run may still donate toys (unwrapped) or food (perishable items, such as turkeys, hams, canned food, etc.) at the fairgrounds the day before the run (Friday, Dec. 9) from 3 to 6:30 p.m.

The event will run rain or shine, but Staser reminded us that, “It never rains on the Toy Run.”

He said the event has survived 20 years thanks in large part to the many longtime sponsors, including SPD Markets, Volz Brothers Automotive, Hills Flat Lumber, Premiere Tile and Stone and Ensemble Designs (Dave Woods).

“I'm afraid I'll forget someone, so let them know we'll be running a thank-you ad after the event,” he laughed.

Outside of filling a huge holiday need, Staser said what he enjoys most is watching the looks on the faces of some of the otherwise-tough bikers as they see how much joy their gift brings to a child.

“It's hard to put into words,” he said. “The fun for me starts when everyone shows up. We don't do this for the thank-yous. We were dirt poor growing up here. The mines had shut down and in the winter dads would be out looking for work. My mom (Iris) would get a turkey at the store where she worked and we'd have 30 people over to the house. My mom and dad (Howard) took care of people and I just thought I'd help carry that on. My brother Steve helps, too.”

The event also features commemorative T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts, which will be available to purchase online and at the event.

To contact Editor/Publisher Jeff Ackerman, e-mail jackerman@theunion.com or call (530) 477-4299.

SOLD OUT!

In the last few days, we’ve received requests to purchase T-shirts and Hoody’s and we are happy to say they sold out, which now makes them a rare collector item! 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the run, whether you rode, sold, set up, volunteered, or stood road-side waving at the bikes.  Folks are posting pictures on our Facebook page so be sure to visit there and catch some of the glow.

…and only $5 bucks. Get ‘em while they last ~

Purchase yours at the Rood Center at the check-in booth or forever hold your peace! Ride pins from years past are also available, in limited quantities.

“It is great to see organizations like the Nevada County Food & Toy Run spread holiday cheer by taking part in the gift of giving,” Senator LaMalfa stated.

This year the Toy Run will be taking place on Saturday, December 10th at noon. As tradition, motorcyclists will ride from the Eric Rood Building to the Nevada County Fairgrounds to deliver toys for children and food for families.

I hope the Food & Toy Run will continue to touch the lives of those in need for another 20 years, concluded LaMalfa.

(Senator Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing the fourth Senate District including Shasta, Tehama, Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Siskiyou, Sutter, Del Norte, Placer, Trinity, Yuba and Nevada counties).

The Food & Toy Run offers a couple of ways to sponsor the run, with some very nice benefits, but if you’re just looking to pick up a collectable, long sleeved t-shirt, we have a few options:

• Click the orange ‘DONATE’ button located on just about every page of the website (add $5 for shipping up to 2 shirts)
• Get ‘em at Renegade Classics on Maltman Drive in Grass Valley

The t-shirts are made from 100% hefty weight cotton.  Next year, we promise it will be the ladies’ turn to model the 21st annual Toy Run t-shirt.

Remember, it’s a charity event that benefits so many people in our area and surely we can all afford a one hour inconvenience. Better yet, buy a toy, take it to the fairgrounds and join in the fun! (click on map for larger view)