Gooch’s Garlic Run 2012

Tonight the Ironbound will be taken over by motorcycles. That is the Blue Knights of NJ - Blue Knights is an International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club - a non-profit fraternal organization consisting of active and retired law enforcement officers who enjoy riding motorcycles.

For the past 25 years, the Blue Knights of NJ IX take their annual ride to raise funds for children in need. This is their second year coming to Newark - prior to that they were riding to Little Italy. But after a few years of having permit issues and hearing concerns from the community board they looked for another option and last year they came to the Ironbound. According to Steve Carpenter, Director of the Blue Knights NJ IX, "we shared the thought that we should spend our money in New Jersey."

Over 1500 motorcycles ride from Rockaway Townsquare Mall arriving in the Ironbound around 7:30pm. Chief Anthony Campos, the president of the Newark chapter, thinks the Run is great for the city - it breaks the stereotypes of bikers, benefits the ironbound community businesses and even gives the residents an event to enjoy. Residents are encouraged to make their way down Ferry Street enjoying the bike scenery.

This year the recipients of the Garlic Run are the following children:
Antonia Berrocal of Stillwater, NJ. The 2 year old was born very premature and needs to be fed through a g-tube and has no upper airway. She needs several surgeries to reconstruct her damaged airway and needs round the clock nursing.

Chloe Madison Van Houten born in Sussex County, NJ is 8 years old. Chloe suffers from cystic fibrosis, an incurable chronic disease. Chloe is on very expensive medications and is hospitalized yearly for10 days for antibiotic treatments.

Luz Durand is 20 years old from Kearny, NJ and suffers from hydrocephalus, water on the brain and autism. Luz needs specialists for her vision and orthopedists specialists.

Maria Julia Ciliberti of Hibernia, NJ is 5 years old and suffers from cerebral palsy. She has cataracts and needs specialized care for neurology, a pediatric optometrist, gastroenterologist, and orthopedic specialist.