Hundreds of spectators filled the sidewalk and entryway to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital for the Freestyle Motocross (FMX) demo on Tuesday, April 30. The 10th Annual Big Air Kids Fair was intended for patients at the hospital, but even the adult patients, staff members, visitors, and students from Loma Linda Academy made their way to the hospital to see the free show.
The event was made possible by Big Air Kids Fair founder Steve Bauer and his partner, Jeff Tilton. “This is more than an FMX show for us. It’s a chance to bring some much needed smiles to these kids’ faces,” Mr. Bauer says. “We appreciate LLU Children’s Hospital for giving us the opportunity to do this for the past 10 years.”
Hospital administrator Zareh Sarrafian, MBA, agrees that this is a great way to brighten the patients’ day. “This is a fun break from the daily strife that many of our patients experience. It’s an opportunity for the kids to get outside and have some fun with their families.”
FMX riders Jesse Jolson and Luke Dolin stole the show with their flips and tricks in front of the hospital.
Ed Wilson of the racing organization Fire & Police Motocross supports the Big Air Kids Fair annually, and this year was no different. To go along with the show, he purchased a myriad of items for the unit playrooms such as a Wii console, portable DVD players, headphones, CD players, and a TV.
Los Angeles chief of police Charlie Beck, an avid motocross racer himself, was unable to attend but was well-represented by a contingent of officers who brought in dual-sport bikes and their usual street bikes for the kids to sit on and take pictures with. Officer Rob Cosner also presented a $500 check to LLU Children’s Hospital on behalf of the LAPD “Cops for Tots” in support of the event.
Former professional Motocross rider Steve Bauer founded the Big Air Kids Fair in 2003 as a way for the Motocross industry to give back to the community. Since then, the hospital has welcomed Steve and a handful of the world’s greatest motocross racers as they tour the hospital, handing out gifts such as T-shirts, hats, toys, and posters to the children and their families.
In 2005, Steve contacted Jeff Tilton to add a FMX demo to the event. The sight of the athletes performing tricks on their 220-pound machines just a few feet outside the second story window was such a huge hit with the patients, families, and hospital staff that the Big Air Kids Fair is now one of the most highly anticipated events of the year at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
Additional photos from the Big Air Kids Fair are available for download at www.facebook.com/llumc.childrenshospital.
Photos by Jim Ponder
