The first annual Bike Night was held at the Cold Lake A&W on Aug. 26 and by all accounts the night was an incredible success. Attendance far exceeded expectations with over 150 motorcycles registered and several hundred people stopping by to take it all in.
The evening bike show was held to raise money for the Military Families Resource Centre (MFRC). One of the night's hosts, Chris Downey, who was injured in an IED explosion in Afghanistan, is now recovering thanks in large part to the support he and his family received after the incident. He wanted to do his part to give back to the MFRC and so, with a helping hand from girlfriend Sari Moreland, her father John Moreland and many others from the community, he stepped up to organize the event.
Downey said he expected about 30 motorcycles and a handful of people but Bike Night was far surpassed that.
“There are no words to describe how I feel about the turnout,” Downey said.
John Moreland said there were over 150 bikes registered, about 45 fancy and exotic cars that came from the Dream Wheels event, as well as a ton of prizes given away.
“We have probably seen about 500 to 600 people come through here tonight. It's been great,” Moreland said.
Downey said that as soon as he was injured the MFRC stepped up and took care of him, his immediate family and his girlfriend Sari, even though they had no legal obligation to.
“They let me feel normal again,” said Downey.
Downey said he is so grateful for the support he received from the MFRC that he has made a pledge to pay back every dime the MFRC has spent on him and his family to assist him through his recovery. While he knows the MFRC expects nothing in return when they help someone, he is determined to do what he can to “make sure the next soldier can receive the same service.” Because, Downey explained, all the funds that come in and out of the MFRC are donations from the public.
“There is no amount of money that I could give back to them that, in my eyes, would pay back the feeling and what I've got and what they have done for me and my family.”
John Moreland said during the event that while final numbers weren't in, he was confident the event had done well.
“We have no idea how much money we've raised for the MFRC, but we know it's huge.”
“It's amazing, beyond anything I've ever expected,” Sari Moreland said. “I am so happy, we've raised a lot of money for a great cause.”
Both Sari and Chris were out and about at the event. They met, posed for pictures, shook hands, and basically said thank you to the hundreds of people that came out to support them.
Downey said he plans on making Bike Night a yearly event. “Just to support all the guys that are still over there doing their job…make sure the fund never stops.”