Celebration of Life for Mike Colwell better known as Santa and Founder of the CHOC Toy Ride on March 15th, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Terranova Church in Irvine.
It is with great sadness that we learned of the recent passing of Mike Colwell, our beloved Santa. Mike was the founder and inspiration for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Toy Ride. Many years ago, Santa and a few of his biker buddies (perhaps his elves) got together, purchased some toys, and on Christmas Eve delivered those toys to CHOC for the children that were hospitalized at Christmas time. Over the years the ride continued to grow along with the amount of toys donated.
In 2007, the ride reached its peak with the number of bikes exceeding 1,800 and providing enough toys so CHOC can give toys to the kids all year long. In 2009 the ride had to be placed on hold due to construction of the hospital and is the only reason the ride did not continue to grow. That didn’t stop OCHOG from continuing the toy drive and from 2009 to 2012 the toys were still donated to CHOC. In 2013, the ride began again, and with the support of CHOC we are ensured that Mike’s legacy of giving to the children at CHOC will continue! Those who say that there is no Santa Claus did not know Mike Colwell!
A celebration of life service will be held in his honor on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at 11:00 AM. There will be a short ride from the Orange County Harley-Davidson Dealership to the Terranova Church, located at 7 Whatney, Irvine, CA 92618. If you plan to ride to the ceremony, please arrive at the dealer no later than 9:30 AM. All Chapter members are welcome to attend.