WHAT:
For the 20th consecutive year, approximately 100 motorcyclists and friends from the Southern California Anaheim-Fullerton H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) chapter will caravan on their bikes to deliver hundreds of holiday gifts for pediatric patients at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital. Hospital staff and young patients will greet the bikers and get a chance to see and even sit on the Harleys. Bikers will form a "love line" to unload hundreds of toys which will be distributed to pediatric patients during the holiday season and at other special times throughout the year.
WHEN:
9:30 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 22.
WHERE:
UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital (757 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles 90095). The event is at the Mattel Hospital entrance, located at Gayley Avenue and Charles E. Young Drive.
PARKING:
Media trucks may park in the yellow loading zone on Gayley Avenue. All other vehicles should park in patient parking areas in Lot 1, located on Gayley Avenue. Press should call media contact to arrange a Lot 1 parking pass.
PHOTO | INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
- 9:30 a.m.: Motorcyclists begin arriving in waves at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital; pediatric patients and medical staff will be there to greet them.
- 10:30 a.m.: Motorcyclists will form a "love line" to unload the toys from a truck.
- 11 a.m.: Hospital officials and pediatric patients will thank bikers in a presentation.
BACKGROUND:
Joyce Savisky-Chance, whose young son Johnnie was a patient at UCLA, started the annual event in his memory after he died following a long battle with cancer. UCLA's Child Life department distributes the toys to hospitalized children's parents, who often do not have the time or funds to shop for holiday gifts. Gifts are also distributed throughout the year to help celebrate patient's birthdays or after medical procedures.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Amy Albin, UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 310-794-8672 (office) or 310-597-5765 (cell)
