For 25 years, a Long Island motorcycle club has spent one November Sunday riding across Brookhaven with teddy bears strapped to its bikes. The Red Knights Motorcycle Club's New York Chapter 26 holds its 25th annual Teddy Bear Run on Sunday, Nov. 15, leaving from the Rose Caracappa Senior Center in Mount Sinai and finishing with lunch in the hamlet of Brookhaven.

Every bear collected goes to the Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau's INTERFACE program, which passes them to children in need through its holiday toy drive.

How the day works

  • 10:30 a.m.: registration opens at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A, Mount Sinai
  • Noon: the escorted ride leaves the senior center
  • 1 p.m.: lunch at Painters' Restaurant, 416 South Country Road, Brookhaven, open to non-riders too

The cost is $25 per rider and per passenger with a new teddy bear, or $30 per person without one. The first 100 riders get a free T-shirt. The run goes on rain or shine; if the weather keeps the bikes home, riders and supporters are asked to bring their bears straight to Painters' at 1 p.m.

Where the bears go

INTERFACE is the Town's year-round partnership of residents, businesses and community groups that help Brookhaven families in need. Nearly 100 corporations, nonprofits and civic groups take part each year, and the program runs drives through every season: a Christmas in July toy drive, a back-to-school drive, a coat drive, prom gowns, Thanksgiving food and the holiday toy drive that the Teddy Bear Run feeds. Town Supervisor Daniel J. Panico announced this year's ride with the club.

You do not need a motorcycle

Non-riders can come to the lunch at Painters' and drop off a bear there, and anyone who wants to donate without attending can call the Youth Bureau. The Red Knights also take sponsors and vendors for the day.

Details

Sources