SJ13: Commending Ricky Holcomb.


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13
Commending Ricky Holcomb.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, January 14, 2016
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 29, 2016
 

WHEREAS, for 23 years, Ricky Holcomb has raised money and collected toys for less fortunate children and families in the Martinsville area through Big Bird’s Toy Run, a charitable motorcycle event; and

WHEREAS, Ricky “Big Bird” Holcomb started the Toy Run to help families who were down on their luck; his birthday is on Christmas Eve, and the holidays have held a special place in his heart since he was a child; and

WHEREAS, Big Bird’s Toy Run is a rolling parade of motorcycles and cars that takes place on a Saturday afternoon each December; participants make a cash donation of $10 or a toy of equivalent value, with all proceeds going to Christmas Cheer of Martinsville & Henry County, a charitable organization that provides food and gifts to the less fortunate; and

WHEREAS, each year the parade starts at Big Bird’s Big Twins motorcycle repair shop on U.S. Route 220 in Ridgeway; the riders travel through Henry County and complete the route about 90 minutes later at Sportlanes bowling center near Collinsville; and

WHEREAS, at least 340 motorcycles and 25 cars took part in the 2014 Toy Run on December 13, with Big Bird Holcomb in the lead in his traditional role as parade marshal; and

WHEREAS, Santa Claus has been seen behind the wheel of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle at Big Bird’s Toy Runs; classic automobiles and vintage trucks also are part of the parade, which has become a treasured holiday tradition for onlookers and participants alike; and

WHEREAS, Big Bird Holcomb’s goal each year is to put smiles on the faces of as many children as possible; he is gratified by the generosity of the approximately 600 people who took part in the 2014 Toy Run as drivers or passengers; and

WHEREAS, some participants make the Toy Run a regular part of their holiday celebrations, citing Big Bird Holcomb’s generous heart and many kind actions as reasons why they eagerly look forward to the Toy Run; in 2014, the men and women who participated donated about 500 gifts and thousands of dollars; and

WHEREAS, the toys received and money raised from Big Bird’s Toy Run helped Christmas Cheer of Martinsville & Henry County provide food to 847 households; a total of 563 children received presents, many donated by Big Bird Holcomb’s friends and fellow motorcycle enthusiasts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Ricky Holcomb for his work to support members of the Martinsville and Henry County communities by collecting toys and donations during the holiday season; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Ricky Holcomb as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect and admiration for creating a special holiday tradition that helps less fortunate families in the Martinsville area.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13

Offered January 13, 2016
Prefiled December 28, 2015
Commending Ricky Holcomb.
Patron-- Stanley

WHEREAS, for 22 years, Ricky Holcomb has raised money and collected toys for less fortunate children and families in the Martinsville area through Big Bird’s Toy Run, a charitable motorcycle event; and

WHEREAS, Ricky “Big Bird” Holcomb started the Toy Run to help families who were down on their luck; his birthday is on Christmas Eve, and the holidays have held a special place in his heart since he was a child; and

WHEREAS, Big Bird’s Toy Run is a rolling parade of motorcycles and cars that takes place on a Saturday afternoon each December; participants make a cash donation of $10 or a toy of equivalent value, with all proceeds going to Christmas Cheer of Martinsville & Henry County, a charitable organization that provides food and gifts to the less fortunate; and

WHEREAS, each year the parade starts at Big Bird’s Big Twins motorcycle repair shop on U.S. Highway 220 in Ridgeway; the riders travel through Henry County and complete the route about 90 minutes later at Sportlanes bowling center near Collinsville; and

WHEREAS, at least 340 motorcycles and 25 cars took part in the 2014 Toy Run on December 13, with Big Bird Holcomb in the lead in his traditional role as parade marshal; and

WHEREAS, Santa Claus has been seen behind the wheel of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle at Big Bird’s Toy Runs; classic automobiles and vintage trucks also are part of the parade, which has become a treasured holiday tradition for onlookers and participants alike; and

WHEREAS, Big Bird Holcomb’s goal each year is to put smiles on the faces of as many children as possible; he is gratified by the generosity of the approximately 600 people who took part in the 2014 Toy Run as drivers or passengers; and

WHEREAS, some participants make the Toy Run a regular part of their holiday celebrations, citing Big Bird Holcomb’s generous heart and many kind actions as reasons why they eagerly look forward to the Toy Run; in 2014, the men and women who participated donated about 500 gifts and thousands of dollars; and

WHEREAS, the toys received and money raised from Big Bird’s Toy Run helped Christmas Cheer of Martinsville & Henry County provide food to 847 households; a total of 563 children received presents, many donated by Big Bird Holcomb’s friends and fellow motorcycle enthusiasts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Ricky Holcomb for his work to support members of the Martinsville and Henry County communities by collecting toys and donations during the holiday season; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Ricky Holcomb as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect and admiration for creating a special holiday tradition that helps less fortunate families in the Martinsville area.