A passionate believer, a dedicated committee, and owners of 300 motorcycles and 50 antique and classic cars, combined forces to create the first United Dream Ride, which raised over $18,000 for Dream Come True - Blue Ridge Chapter.

The event was held Sunday, Sept. 15.The ride was preceded by breakfast served by Legion volunteers at the American Legion Post 927, Gilbert. The ride was held from Gilbert to Elysburg - where refreshments were provided at the end of the run at Knobels Grove.Wayne Halliday, organizer of the event, said the concept for the run grew from his thoughts of using his love of riding motorcycles to help raise funds for Dream Come True.He met with members of the American Legion Post 927, Gilbert; and Eileen Thompson, president of Dream Come True - Blue Ridge Chapter in February and their backing was all that was needed to see the United Dream Ride bud. By March, he was in serious planning mode."I used the word united because we united motorcycles and classic and antique cars and the word dream came from Dream Come True," he said.Halliday said that planning the ride was an emotional project."It means so much to me personally," he said.In all there were 31 major corporate sponsors whose names were on the T-shirt, along with 65 other sponsors."Dream Come True, Knobels and children work together so well for me," he added. "All I needed was good weather."The Legion donated all of the proceeds of the breakfast to Dream Come True.The breakfast alone raised $500.After the breakfast, 300 motorcycles and 50 cars began the 87 mile trek to Knobels Amusement Park."When we arrived at Knobels, they had lunch waiting for us," Halliday said. "Those who had gone on the ride said that it was the most organized ride they ever did."At Knobels, the band "Big Things," was playing. Halliday said that Big Things have supported Dream Come True on other occasions."The ride was amazing," said Thompson. "Wayne's ability to organize and get everyone else involved was awesome to see. It was also a good way for us to get the word out about what Dream Come True does for the children."Halliday said that what people were seeing and feeling was his passion for helping Dream Come True.The reason behind his passion is because he truly understands what parents feel when their child dies. His daughter, Emily, never grew up to have a dream. She died at two months of age and her death continues to inspire him to help other children realize their dreams.Two former dream recipients participated in the ride and served as Dream Come True ambassadors: Brittany Clouse, who met Hilary Duff in September 2005 and Eli Imler, who visited Florida attractions in 2011.Dream Come True - Blue Ridge Chapter fulfills about 12 dreams a year for terminally, seriously or chronically ill children living in Carbon County and surrounding communities. The organization is all volunteer so there are few expenses above making dreams happen.Also showing support for Dream Come True was Steve Ohl of R.H. Ohl, Interchange Road, Lehighton, which donated $5 on every air conditioning tune up and $100 for every installation of an air conditioning system during the spring season."Steve worked hard to be part of this event," said Halliday. "His donation of $1,300 helped push up our total."Not only did Ohl's provide corporate sponsorship, Steve was part of the run."There were a lot of people involved," said Halliday. "Keystone Harley Davidson helped promote United Dream Ride by putting the event up on their digital billboard for over a month to show their support for the event."Assisting with safety along the ride were State Troopers from Fern Ridge barracks, who assisted riders with pulling out from the staging area at the West End Fairgrounds. Also assisting were Polk Township Fire Company, Penn Forest Fire Company 1 and 2; and Rush Township Fire Company, and many more."We rolled out in line and we never stopped once during the 87 mile ride," said Halliday.Leading off the ride was a Pocono Raceway pace car."Pocono Raceway called and offered their services," said Halliday. "The support for this event has been phenomenal."Halliday said that line up of motorcycles arriving at Knobels was impressive."Our volunteers unloaded and cleaned up and then put the supplies away," he said. "They all want to help out again next year."Halliday said that his biggest supporters have been his wife, Stacy; and their 15-year-old daughter, Lauren."This ride was dedicated to Emily," he said. "I did this all for Emily.""Yes," said Halliday. "There will be a second United Dream Ride. "We've already been talking about it."He had this statement to say to all his volunteers and the participants, "It was awesome and thank you for all your support. You made my dream come true. It couldn't have been better."For information on the 2014 United Dream Ride, contact Halliday at

dreamride2013@gmail.com.