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Thirteen years ago, something new hit the Valley. The Wyoming Valley THUNDER Motorcycle Show benefiting Wyoming Valley Children’s Association. This show is one that was born of dedication and adaptation.
Kim Rollman of the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association (WVCA) explains, “Fifteen years ago, a local man named Bill Feher (of Sweet Valley) decided to run a marathon. Since he was running the event anyway, he decided to try to collect pledges and raise funds for a nonprofit agency. Because his uncle was helped by WVCA many years ago, Feher chose WVCA as the recipients of his project. After running the marathon for two consecutive years and raising several thousand dollars for WVCA, Feher was preparing for a third run. When he injured his knee and had to have surgery, he could no longer run in the marathon. So, he and a bunch of his friends from the George M. Dallas Lodge, all of who had an interest in motorcycles, decided to try to organize a motorcycle show to raise funds for WVCA.” Adaptation.
Kim explains further that this was not a lone endeavor.
“In the beginning years, the guys and their families ran the show exclusively,” she says. “As it grew bigger, WVCA became involved in the planning. Bill Feher, his family and his friends are all still involved in planning the show along with several members of local motorcycle clubs (Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club, ABATE, Back Mountain Enduro Riders, Christian Motorcyclists) and other interested individuals.” Dedication.
Kim speaks in glowing terms about the people who have helped run this show over the years. This year something different is happening. John Feher is stepping in to chair the event. This should not be surprising, as the entire family has been working on this project.
“The entire Feher family works at the show every year, including that uncle who was helped by WVCA more than 50 years ago,” she says.
What are missing this year are Bill and his sister Mary Kaplowitz. They were unable to help with the planning and running of the event as they are currently serving our country in Iraq. Service to community and service to our country are exemplified in these two family members.
What is the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association? In Kim’s words, “WVCA is a private nonprofit agency which has been serving children in and around the Wyoming Valley for 85 years! The agency has always relied upon the support of the local community to help fund its programs.”
What kinds of services do they offer? Kim explains, “Wyoming Valley Children’s Association provides physical, occupational and speech therapy to local children who have developmental disabilities and preschool education to children of all abilities. The proceeds from the show are used by WVCA to offset the costs of providing therapy and related services to children who have developmental disabilities.”
I asked Kim if this economy is hitting WVCA hard this year. “The slow economy definitely makes it more difficult to raise funds,” she replied. “However, the local community has embraced our agency and is still supporting our children, despite the economic downturn. We are able to maintain our programming in the face of the tough economy and, as the economy recovers, hope to expand and grow.”
What can you tell us about the relationship between WVCA and the local biker community? Kim’s response: “WVCA is proud to be associated with motorcyclists in our community. The motorcycle community has embraced our agency and our children in a big way, helping to raise many thousands of dollars over the past 12 years.
The local motorcycle clubs have all been very supportive of our effort to raise fund for the children. Many clubs have been coming to the show for years, and most of them promote the show through their Web sites.
The Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club has been involved for many years and is playing a major part in the planning of the show this year. The Back Mountain Enduro Riders also have a representative on the planning committee as does the Christian Motorcyclists Association, ABATE, Northeast Pleasure Riders and British Embassy Riders.
Other clubs who have been at the show are East Coast Biker Chicks, Fallen Officers Remembered and Soldiers Angels Riding Club.
All motorcycle clubs are invited to join the show by renting a booth/floor space at the event.”
Advanced Pain Management Specialists, P.C., is the main event sponsor.
The Wyoming Valley THUNDER Motorcycle Show is a family-friendly event that brings together both motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists under one roof to raise funds for local children with disabilities. The show is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the 109th Armory, Kingston. Admission is $5 (children age 5 and under are free). Booth space is still available. For more information, contact WVCA at 570.714.1246.
See you there!
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