Bruce Rossmeyer, CEO of 13 Harley-Davidson locations, teamed up with The Sopranos megastar James Gandolfini, who plays the underworld crime boss Tony Soprano, for the 12th annual Ride for Children on October 15, 2006.
Rossmeyer and pals helped raise approximately $500,000 with the Ride for Children benefit and Champagne Ball, which took place on October 13 for the children of Camp Boggy Creek who suffer from debilitating illnesses. More than 1,200 bikers participated in the ride, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to benefit the folks at Camp Boggy Creek.
The 50-mile trek began at Rossmeyer's world's largest Harley-Davidson dealership in Daytona and ended at Camp Boggy Creek, located in Eustis, Florida.
"There's nothing like this in the world for these kids," said Rossmeyer, who has, along with silver-screen legend Paul Newman and retired Army General Norman Schwarzkopf, contributed more than $1 million to Camp Boggy Creek. "We're fortunate to be able to touch the lives of those in need."
Rossmeyer was honored as a camp founder in 2004.
Camp Boggy Creek's mission is "To enrich the lives of children who have chronic or life-threatening illnesses by creating camping experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe, and medically sound." Offering critical support to the parents, guardians, and siblings, Camp Boggy Creek is located on 232 acres with 44 cracker-style buildings, including 16 camper cabins, a dining hall, medical center, swim center, stable, little farm, sports and recreation center, arts and crafts building, creative center, and theater. More than 27,000 chronically ill children and family members have experienced the magic of Camp Boggy Creek, all at no cost.