Bikers ride to benefit local children's hospital

HALLANDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- More than 30,000 motorcycle riders participated in the 25th annual Toys in The Sun Run.

A group of bike riders rolled deep on Sunday to raise money and tote toys for Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. "It's all for the kids. It's giving back to the community. We're lucky to have jobs and motorcycles, and these kids don't have anything," said a woman known as "Annie."

7News meteorologist Vivian Gonzalez and Santa Claus greeted participants at Mardi Gras Casino. Bikers were then escorted by police officers for a 21-mile ride to Markham Park in Sunrise. "It's a great function for the kids, for the families, and it's fun to see all the motorcycles," said Bernadette Falciglia.

The afternoon of giving ended with food, family, fun and smiles for some children who need it the most. "When you go through Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital and you see those kids with cancer, I'm a cancer survivor myself," said Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti. "Boy, we are bringing joy to some less fortunate kids. We're just making their holiday."

This year's event is expected to raise half a million dollars.

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