Bikers rev it up to drive home funds for Little City

Supporters of Little City Foundation in Palatine returned to a high-profile fundraiser that literally takes their cause to the streets: a 100-mile motorcycle ride, through rural northern Illinois.

Their fifth annual Ride for Smiles took place Sunday and drew approximately 180 riders to participate in the scenic tour.

"It's a great way to engage the community -- and have some fun," says Rick Johnson, of Little City Foundation.

They went off in groups of 25 from the Palatine campus and rode as far west as Richmond, before circling back to City Limits Harley-Davidson in Palatine, and ending at Penny Road Pub in South Barrington.

Pit stops along the way offered riders a chance to win prizes and purchase raffle tickets. At stake was the chance to win a 2007 Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob motorcycle, provided by City Limits.

Former Chicago Bulls center, Bill Wennington, even rode in the event. The recreational biker recently approached Little City officials about becoming more involved with the agency, and the ride, and their upcoming Smile Days, seemed like the perfect fit.

"Several of our clients on campus like to ride," Johnson says, "so the event grew out of that."

Little City officials worked with the motorcycle community to design the rally, and over the last five years, it has continued to draw more interest.

"The motorcycle world is a great supporter of charities," Johnson adds.

Early estimates indicate the ride raised more than $18,000, with those proceeds benefiting the agency's general programming, and the 180 children and adults who live on Little City's Palatine campus.

Little City was founded in 1959, by a group of parents who resisted advice to institutionalize their developmentally disabled children. Its mission has remained the same for nearly 50 years: to provide opportunities to lead rewarding, fulfilling and dignified lives.