BNI Bikers raise money during Christmas Toys in the Sun Run

The Christmas Toys in the Sun Run snarled traffic along parts of Atlantic Boulevard, Interstate 95 and I-595 yesterday for over 3 hours. Sponsored by the South Florida President's Council, the 20th annual toy run attracted more than 30,000 toy-bearing riders from as far away as New York, Detroit and California.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Rick Marrotte, Debbie and Mike Marzano, Kurt Heide

The procession started at the Pompano Harness Track and ended at Markham Park in Sunrise. The motorcyclists riding on everything from wildly stretched choppers to traditional touring bikes took to the road, where they were greeted by waving spectators who had pulled up lawn chairs to watch the parade.

The toys are distributed to needy families across Broward County. Most of the money raised through the run benefits Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, a Hollywood facility known for successfully treating pediatric cancer patients.

Boca Raton BNI Business Exchange was well represented. Kurt Heide, president of American Pioneer Mortgage, Mike and Debbie Marzano of Jemstone Construction and Dr. Rick Marrotte, Optometrist from Boca Raton, all rode in the event.

“The weather was great and the number of bikers was incredible,” said Dr. Rick Marrotte who was riding in the event for the first time. “It’s gets bigger and bigger every year, “ said reverse mortgage specialist Kurt Heide.