PHOENIX – Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) held its annual Motorcycle Toy Run to the Phoenix Crisis Nursery (www.crisisnurseryphx.org) on Saturday, Dec. 11 with more than 100 motorcycle riders participating. ). In its 20th year, the MMI Toy Run presented the Crisis Nursery a check for $3,300 and provided the children with two truck-loads of new toys for the holidays.
Early Saturday morning, MMI students and instructors participating in the run gathered for breakfast; and at 10 a.m. more than a hundred motorcycles lined up for the toy run. Harley-Davidson instructors Jon Roppe and “Santa” Chuck Bradshaw led the run as “Road Captains,” ensuring a safe and controlled ride for everyone involved.
"Our Toy Run is a great way for us to not only share the camaraderie of fellow riders, but also give something special back to the community,” said Roppe. “Just seeing the excitement of the children and knowing that MMI has made a positive impact on their lives gives us a feeling of pride during the holiday season and throughout the year.”
For more than 33 years, Crisis Nursery, Inc., the Valley’s longest-serving children’s shelter, has provided a safe haven for more than 17,000 children in greater Phoenix through child-centered and family-focused programs and services. Its mission is to help break the cycle of child abuse and neglect by providing access to tools that support safer, happier and healthier lives for more than 1,000 children, annually.
“MMI’s long-term commitment to children and families in crisis has been outstanding,” said Crisis Nursery’s Executive Director, Marsha Porter. “In its twentieth year of supporting Crisis Nursery, all of us, especially the children, were thrilled to greet the bikers again. They provide much needed supplies, diapers and other contributions and show the kids and employees a great time each year.”
About Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (UTI):
With more than 130,000 graduates in its 45-year history, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) (NYSE: UTI), offers undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at 11 campuses across the United States, as well as manufacturer-specific training programs at dedicated training centers. Through a campus-based school system, UTI offers specialized technical education programs under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI). Visit www.uti.edu for more information.
Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI), is a division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI), a leading provider of technical education training for students seeking careers as professional automotive, collision repair, diesel, marine and motorcycle technicians. With campuses located in Phoenix, Ariz. and Orlando, Fla., MMI is supported and equipped by all six major motorcycle manufacturers -- American Honda, American Suzuki, BMW, Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA and Yamaha Motor Corp. USA. Visit www.uti.edu for more information.
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