Thirteenth Annual MNM Motorcycle Run and Fundraiser

The MNM Motorcycle Club of Tinley Park shifted into high gear when 66 motorcyclists took off to raise funds for children and teens fighting cancer. The engines roared on August 22nd during MNM Motorcycle Club’s 13th Annual Fundraiser and Bike Run, “In Loving Memory of Marie Innocenti,” to benefit the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation. When the last motorcycle cruised to a stop, the Club had raised an impressive $8,000 to help children and teens fighting cancer.

MNM Riding Club’s mission is to help those in need and to leave the world a better place. This was Marie Innocenti’s dream, as she would say, “Let’s make the magic happen.” The after-party concluded at the Tinley Park American Legion and

included live music from Uncovered and Wavelength, a car show, vendors, food, a split-the-pot raffle, bouncy house for the kids and more than 120 raffle prizes.

MNM Riding Club Executive Board President Dean Woodward said, “Today is very overwhelming. Helping kids with cancer is my wife Marie’s legacy.”

MNM Riding Club member Teresa Szydelko chimed in saying, “I’m doing this because I care deeply for the children who are sick. We want to make their treatment easier and the kids happier.”

Treasure Chest Foundation CEO and Founder Colleen Kisel said, “The MNM Motorcycle Club members are some of the most compassionate riders I know. We have been graced with the motorcyclists who were a part of this ride and supported children and teens undergoing treatment for cancer.”

The POTCF is a unique organization whose services impact more than 14,600 young cancer patients in 62 cancer treatment centers in 20 states across the nation and in the District of Columbia. Nowhere else in the nation does such a program exist. Colleen Kisel founded the organization in 1996 after her then seven-year-old son Martin had been diagnosed with leukemia in 1993. Ms. Kisel discovered that giving her son a toy after each procedure provided a calming distraction from his pain, noting that when children are diagnosed with cancer their world soon becomes filled with doctors, nurses, chemotherapy drugs, surgeries and seemingly endless painful procedures. Martin celebrated his 28th anniversary of remission from the disease in March of this year.

If you would like further information about the Treasure Chest Foundation, please contact Colleen Kisel at 708-687-TOYS (8697) or visit the Foundation’s website at www.treasurechest.org.

Photo caption: MNM Riding Club delivery team (l - r): Jack Stucaly, Greg Dune, Dawn Lisante, Tony Pietro, Treasurer Cathy Pietro, Dan Casey, Teresa Szydelko, Bill Stearn, Sergeant of Arms Lori Dune, Ron Lazo, Vicki Kapsalis and Executive Board President Dean Woodward present the $8,000 donation at the Treasure Chest Foundation’s Orland Park warehouse. Their donation will bring smiles of joy to hundreds of children and teens battling cancer across the nation.

Not pictured: MNM Riding Club Vice President Mike Szydelko