On Nov. 15, Chautauqua-Kinzua Harley Owners' Group (CK H.O.G.) presented the Special Olympics of Warren County (SOWC) with a $500 donation. Aside from promoting safe and enjoyable motorcycle riding, the CK H.O.G. Chapter stives to dedicate a portion of their time and funds to those who are less fortunate. Chapter members decided they wanted to make a donation that would aid a group of people within the local community. The SOWC became a prospective recipient when it was made known that Kayla Smith, daughter of CK H.O.G. member Mark Smith, had been involved with the organization for many years. Upon approval from the 150 plus chapter members, a motion was passed in September and the donation to the Special Olympics of Warren County was approved.
Dean Huya, SOWC Manager, was onsite to accept the donation, as well as Tiffany and Lisa Huya. Kayla Smith, Marina Smith, wife of Mark Smith and CK H.O.G. member, and Karen Lucks, CK H.O.G. member, represented the CK H.O.G. Chapter.
Dean expressed his gratitude for the donation stating, "You have no idea how much this will help. The cost of transporting members across the state [of Pennsylvania] for a single event can cost $2,000 alone."
Special Olympics is a global organization that serves more than 4 million athletes with intellectual disabilities by providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports. Those activities give both children and adults continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship. For more information on SOWC visit www.specialolympicspa.org.
To raise funds for the donation, the CK H.O.G. members held 50/50 drawings at monthly meetings, sold food at the Scandia Chainsaw Carve, and sought donations at Harley-Davidson of Jamestown dealership events.
The Chautauqua-Kinzua H.O.G. Chapter was established in April 2010. Sponsored by Harley-Davidson of Jamestown, the Chapter currently has over 150 active members. CK H.O.G.'s mission is to organize a group of individuals for the purpose of safe and enjoyable motorcycle riding, as well as foster camaraderie among members. CK H.O.G. has pledged to donate a portion of their time and funds to those who are less fortunate.