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Daniel Faulkner Motorcycle Run FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE It started as a "grass roots" effort one man's concept of making the slain officer the "hero" rather than his convicted murderer. With the assistance of fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, the business community, and various law enforcement agencies, it emerged into the Daniel Faulkner Memorial Motorcycle Run, one of the area's most prolific charitable motorcycle events. Held on May 23, 1999, in the pouring rain, 10,000+ bikers from throughout the Eastern Seaboard joined forces to pay tribute to Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner and the many other law enforcement officers that lost their lives in the line of duty. The participants represented a variety of lifestyles, cultures, professions, and even motorcycle preferences. But all had a common goal to send a strong, yet solemn and peaceful, message of support to honor the heroes slain while serving their communities. Les Young, event organizer, was overwhelmed by the initial response to the run. Realizing that his small scale concept was becoming a major reality, he and his dozen volunteers formed Bikers Allied to Commemorate Uniformed Police, Inc. (B.A.C.U.P.), of which he currently serves as a Trustee and Chairman. A registered nonprofit corporation in the State of New Jersey and a sanctioned AMA District II motorcycle club, B.A.C.U.P. is committed to raising funds for Delaware Valley non-profit organizations that support the surviving families of slain officers. The success of the Daniel Faulkner Memorial Motorcycle Run enabled B.A.C.U.P. to donate more than $20,000 during 1999 to:
The momentum and positive feedback also persuaded B.A.C.U.P. to make the run an annual event, so plans are already in place for the 2nd Annual Daniel Faulkner Memorial Motorcycle Run, scheduled for Sunday, May 21, 2000. Originating at AMC 24 Theatres in Hamilton Township, a suburb of Trenton in Mercer County, NJ, the parade of bikes will proceed up I-295 to I-95 into Philadelphia and converge at Pier 24 on Delaware Avenue. B.A.C.U.P. is receiving some solid financial backing from the business community for the 2000 run, with Geno's Steaks of 9th and Passyunk Avenue and Ace Detective Agency, Inc. of Philadelphia already on board as an "Official" Run Sponsors, and "Platinum Sponsorship" donations received from Pennock Company - Wholesale Florist, Delaware Valley Chapter of Pennsylvania A.B.A.T.E., Conveyor Services and Installation, Inc., and John Randazzo, BIKRLAW. General awareness of the run is spreading as well. Although still six months away, requests for information are coming in daily from places as far west as Texas and south as Florida. Young attributes this to the credibility and professionalism of the B.A.C.U.P. organization. "B.A.C.U.P. is fortunate to have such dedicated and passionate members, whose strong belief in the cause is reflected in their work ethics and tireless efforts," Young said. Charles Fenimore, Trustee of the organization, also attributes the run's success to the excellent rapport established with other motorcycle clubs. "Burlington (NJ) H.O.G. and Delaware Valley Chapter - Pennsylvania A.B.A.T.E. were instrumental in offering volunteer assistance. Coopersburg (PA) H.O.G. offered tremendous participant support, registering over 1,000 bikers from throughout the Pennsylvania area." According to Bob Kelly, Sr., another B.A.C.U.P. Trustee, "Watching 10,000+ bikes create a parade that spanned more than 10 miles surely was a site to see. But for May 21, 2000, our goal is to have a parade of 20,000+ bikes to span over the entire parade route!" B.A.C.U.P. is confident that with the continued support of the motorcycle clubs, business community and law enforcement agencies, and a little good weather, the 2nd Annual Daniel Faulkner Memorial Motorcycle Run will exceed all expectations, with its volunteers and participants proud to once again "be a part of history." For information on registration, sponsorship, or volunteer opportunities, please call (609) 291-0500 or email Les Young |