Joliet motorcycle association hosting fundraiser to benefit local children

JOLIET – Members of the Untamed Motorcycle Association like to challenge each other.

They challenged a new member to put 1,000 miles on his bike this year. They challenged another member who was having some problems getting around to call them when he needed help.

And they challenged member Brian Elliot to put on a fantastic bash at the end of their riding season that would not only celebrate the group and the community, but raise money for a good cause.

The result is the “It’s Never the End Party,” scheduled for Saturday at the Knights of Columbus #382 in Joliet.

The event begins at 3 p.m. and should go on through the wee hours of the morning, Elliot said. For a $20 donation at the door, partiers will get food catered by Longshots Bar and Grill, two draft beers, and all the live band and D.J. music they will need to have a good time.

Money raised goes directly to the Children’s Emergency Department at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center.

“You’ll have a great night, and you’ll help the kids in the community,” Elliot said.

Each year, according to the hospital's website, the emergency department treats more than 20,000 children. The department, according to the website, is supported by pediatric doctors in 17 specialties. In addition, its staff has the ability to "identify and treat concussion injuries." To view a video of the Children's Emergency Department, visit www.provena.org/stjoes/kidcare.

The Untamed Motorcycle Association formed a little more than three years ago and has previously held fundraisers for MorningStar Mission and veterans groups. This year, Elliot said, members decided to go with the children.

Elliot’s experience with the children’s unit at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center is close to his heart. In 2008, his twin daughters were born there and spent two weeks in the pediatric intensive care unit. The staff was great, Elliot said, and took good care of his children.

“I felt like they were my extended family,” he said. “I wanted to give back to something I know works. I wanted to pay them back in some way.”

The Untamed Motorcycle Association agreed and got on board. In fact, Elliot said, the community in general got behind the fundraiser. The only thing they still need is a few more businesses to donate items to the silent auction.

The Untamed Motorcycle Association is one of 15 or so motorcycle associations in Joliet, Elliot said. It’s not a motorcycle club, and they’re by no means a gang, Elliot added with a laugh, although they do sport black leather vests with their moniker on the back.

“We’re a quiet association of like-minded men of our community who like to get together to ride,” Elliot said. “We’re friends who like to hang out together on the weekends. ... We figure, if you ride, why not ride with good people?”

Elliot rides his ’89 Harley-Davidson low rider when the group goes on road trips to the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles or to visit veterans at the Manteno Veterans Home.

Members have their Joliet hangouts, too, like Crybabies Tap, which is their local watering hole. They also enjoy supporting fundraisers held by other area motorcycle associations.

“We spend our money where we make it,” Elliot said.

The name of Saturday’s bash, “It’s Never the End Party,” refers to parties held by motorcycle groups at the end of their warm weather riding season. The names of their parties, Elliot explained, usually have the word “end” in them somewhere.

“This year,” he said, “we wanted it to be for the public and for a good cause.”

Elliot said he hopes the community will come out for a good time and to support the pediatric unit.

“The bands are excellent,” he said, “and we have some exciting vendors coming out.”

Vendors include J-Town Art, where area artist Tony Padilla will draw caricatures; local tattoo business Ink for Life; and jewelry-making artists. Additional features at the “It’s Never the End Party” are makeovers and a photographer.

To donate items for the silent auction, email Elliot at beak174@gmail.com.

If you go

What: “It’s Never the End Party,” sponsored by the Untamed Motorcycle Association

When: 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Knights of Columbus #382, 100 Infantry Drive, Joliet

Information: Food, fun, raffles, prizes and music. Proceeds benefit the Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Children’s Emergency Department. Also a drop-off for new toys to be donated to Toys for Tots.

Cost: $20 at the door; $10 for those ages 15 and younger

Contact: beak174@gmail.com