Organization Summary: As one of the top guild fundraisers for Seattle Children's Hospital, the Imagine Guild has raised nearly $3 million to support uncompensated care, diabetes research and hydrocephalus research, providing much needed care to hundreds of children and families. The Imagine Guild's most anticipated annual fundraiser is the Children's Ride, one of the largest charity motorcycle events in the Pacific Northwest. The four-day affair includes a spirited kick-off party; dinner gala and auction; exclusive "posse-only" escorted ride and V.I.P. reception; and a spectacular Washington State Patrol-escorted motorcycle ride for all participants.
Objective: To bring together motorcycling enthusiasts and the community at large in support of Children's Hospital and their mission to eliminate childhood illness and injury.
Imagine Guild Membership: More than 70 active members
Background: In 1974, a devastating accident left Rick Baldwin's daughter, Tessa, with third-degree burns. Baldwin and his family were beneficiaries of uncompensated care at Children's Hospital, and the emotional and financial assistance provided by the hospital left a lasting impression on Baldwin. In 1995, Baldwin decided to use his love for motorcycles to rally others in support of Children's Hospital through the Imagine Guild, and the Children's Ride was born.
Key Milestones:
-1995 (Children's Ride 1) - Inaugural Ride draws 175 participants and 100 motorcycles.
-2000 (Children's Ride 5) - Ride partners with the All Harley Drag Racing Association at Pacific Raceways as the ride venue. This is a partnership that will last for eight years.
-2005 (Children's Ride 10) - Ride grows into a four-day weekend event that includes a gala and auction. A custom chopper by internationally renowned builder Paul Yaffe is auctioned; Edgar Martinez, former Seattle Mariner, and Chad Eaton, former Seattle Seahawks lineman, engage in fierce bidding war; Martinez ultimately wins the bid at $95,000.
-2007 (Children's Ride 12) - Record-breaking event includes more than 1,000 preregisteredparticipants for the ride and raises more than $680,000.
-2008 (Children's Ride 13) - Ride expands with concert and barbecue at White River Amphitheatre.
Guild Officers:
Jim Schulz, president
Connie Sorensen, co-vice president
Ray Wehrs, co-vice president
Pete Funicello, treasurer
Melissa Richardson, secretary
2008 Children's Ride 13 Committee Chairs:
Gina Adams Royer, Riley Atkins, Rick Baldwin, Pete Funicello, Wendy Funicello, Bob Hagel, Gina Kallman, Melissa Richardson, Jim Schulz, Connie Sorensen, Ray Wehrs, Carol Wiggers
Headquarters:
Children's Hospital Guild Association
P.O. Box 50020, M/S S-200
Seattle, WA 98145-5020
Phone: (206) 987-4876
Fax: (206) 987-4845
Media Contacts:
Connie Sung or Jennifer Cody
(310) 280-7963 or (310) 280-7717
connie.sung@wongdoody.com
jennifer.cody@wongdoody.com