Published December 12. 2023 11:05AM
by Dana Grubb Special to the Bethlehem Press
For the 13th year, motorcyclists from everywhere assembled for the annual Tucker’s Toy Run, riding from Northampton to St. Luke’s University Hospital in Fountain Hill to deliver thousands of toys for distribution to pediatric patients throughout the hospital network. “Thank you for being a part of this tremendous event. We put a lot of smiles on the faces of kids,” said event organizer Rick Nauman, who works through the nonprofit organization Lehigh Valley Community Benefit to do this and other community help events throughout the area.
An estimated 700 bikers participated in the 2023 event Nov. 4, arriving at Ostrum Street in the early afternoon. The sirens and horns of public safety vehicles from the pass-through communities along the procession’s route announce their arrival, with some motorcyclists wearing holiday hats and outfits.
St. Luke’s pediatrics staff offered a warm welcome to the participants with treats and beverages, as the vehicles were unloaded and toys placed into hospital carts.
Biker Brian ‘Bucca’ Minotti of Martins Creek summed his Bikers’ Against Cop Killers chapter’s participation by saying, “This ride to us is one of the most important rides because of what St. Luke’s does for the community.”
Nauman said the 13 rides have delivered over 60,000 toys to St. Luke’s pediatrics.
Tucker’s Toy Run is done in memory of Tucker Stuart, who died in a motorcycle crash in October 2011.
St. Luke's pediatric staff wait along Ostrum Street for Tucker's Toy Run to arrive.
Below: Tucker's Toy Run receives a public safety escort from the start in Northampton to their arrival in Fountain Hill.
Event organizer Rick Nauman leads the pack into the St. Luke's parking lot.
Jim Shelanic's Sidecar dog Riley is a spectator favorite.
Mitchell and his big brother R.J. came bearing toy donations. They are 4 and 8 years old, respectively.
Organizer Rick Nauman models the 2023 Tucker's Toy Run tee shirt.
A pile of toys in a small bus are ready to be unloaded.
One lucky pediatric patient will receive a large stuffed Spiderman.
Bikers and hospital staff unload a box truck filled with toys.
Members of ‘Bikers Against Cop Killers' were sporting their holiday headwear.
Above: Pediatric critical care physician Christopher Plymire and pediatric patient care manager Patricia Gubich listen as Rick Nauman says over 60,000 toys have been donated over the 13 toy runs.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBB Bikers and hospital staff in front of St. Luke's main entrance.
