Riding For A Cause

For the last 25 years, a bevy of bikers from across Queens has come out each December to ride for a cause.
And Sunday, December 11 will be no different.
On that day the Independent Bikers of Queens Toys for Tots annual ride will set out from Forest Park at 2 p.m.
Its mission, according to Vicky Capasso, treasurer, is &#8220to enhance the lives of mentally and physically handicapped men, women and children of the Bernard Fineson Developmental Center [in Howard Park].”
The ride takes donations of toys and money, all of which will benefit the center.
In addition, the organization hosts sales of merchandise such as T-shirts, bumper stickers, pins, patches, etc., to help the cause.
&#8220The bikers are a part of our family, and they have been for 25 years,” said Chris Vuschhorn, coordinator of volunteer services for the Bernard Fineson Developmental Center. &#8220They've done a mountain of good stuff for us, including annual scholarships, trips, a gazebo and a pool. We love them.”
Last year, according to Capasso, the ride raised $46,000. This year, the bar has been set even higher.
&#8220We'd like to eclipse this [amount],” said Capasso. &#8220Every year you'd like to do more for the hospital than the year before.”
For more information on the Independent Bikers of Queens Toys for Tots annual ride, visit www.ibtft.org.