Children's Hospital Charity Ride 2008

The South Group meeting location was The Children's Hospital Lone Tree network of care (branch). We'll meet the North Group at the Denver Children's Hospital (main location) at noon.

A cold morning with warm greetings from fellow MINI5280 members.

Leo has a front-row seat.

The bright sunshine does little against the below-freezing temperature.

The MINI drivers get a pre-ride briefing from President Chuck.

The Children's Hospital (www.thechildrenshospital.org) main location in Aurora (I-225/E Colfax), beautiful and modern facility. Denver's Children's Hospital is one of the top 10 in the nation.

Over 20 MINIs arrive, heavily laden with toys for the patients and families of The Children's Hospital. The toys are provided throughout the year, not just at Christmas time.

The toy and monetary donations are processed quickly and efficiently, directly from the red wagons.

Hauling the toys in red wagons.

A fleet of red wagons await processing.

It's warm and inviting in the large, sunny atrium.

More red wagon loads arrive from MINI5280 members.

A few more red wagons.

Rich and Teena showing their holiday spirit.

While it is not possible for MINI5280 members to see the patients directly, they hope that in some small way, they've touched the young lives of those struggling with their health at this wonderful facility.

Jonathan (left) and Burke (right) a Children's Hospital patient during his early childhood -- now a thriving teenager.

An example of the holiday artistry on display in the atrium.

Sunlit, thought-provoking murals are displayed throughout the atrium. Even the glass-enclosed elevator is fun to watch.

You could smell the sweetness from this prize winning display.

MINI5280 officers present a check for $400 to a Children's Hospital staff member.

A tour of the public areas of the facility was provided to the members of the MINI5280 club.

Toy transports awaiting the trip home. We'll be back next year.