Hamsters USA raise $257,000 for special kids served by Children
Children - Aug 13, 2010

The international motorcycle group Hamsters USA raised $257,000 for Children’s Care Hospital & School in Rapid City during their annual meeting and dinner on Monday, August 9th.

Funds raised will provide physical, occupational, and speech therapies, plus special educational and psychological services.

The banquet was held in Spearfish, SD, as part of the Sturgis Rally. Funds were raised through a silent auction, $5,000 cash raffle, and many individual donations. Proceeds go to serve children with special needs.

Sponsors of the event were Allstate Motorcycle Insurance and Jack Daniels.

Hamsters USA has raised and donated funds at their annual meeting for the last six years, wanting to give back to the greater Black Hills community, which many Hamsters consider to be their second home.

Their gifts help provide services to children in their own homes and communities, delivered by Children’s Care personnel who drive over 10,000 miles a month to provide services.

Bruce Rossmeyer and family honored with 5^th annual Chrome Heart Award

The late Bruce Rossmeyer, who died in a traffic accident last year on July 30^th on his way to the Sturgis Rally, was honored with the 5th annual Chrome Heart Award. Children’s Care presents the Chrome Heart Award to “an individual in the motorcycle world whose philanthropic support and civic duty represents everything positive in the industry and sport of motorcycling.”

Rossmeyer was the owner of several Harley-Davidson dealerships in Florida, as well as in Colorado and Mississippi, and was the developer of the annual bike rally Destination Daytona and many other motorcycle events.

He was an active supporter of and generous donor to many children’s charities, including Children’s Care Hospital & School.

The award was accepted by Rossmeyer’s son, Will, of Ormond Beach, Florida.

Children’s Care of Rapid City, SD, served over 1200 children in the region last year with special needs. It is affiliated with Children’s Care Hospital & School, based in Sioux Falls. Children’s Care is a private, independent, non-profit organization with a mission to help children with special needs reach their full potential. 

The organization as a whole served over 2600 children last year.