Our members believe that how we live in our community is important in changing the image of motorcycle riders in Portland. Our members participate in charity events all over the state but are responsible for raising money for two main organizations.

The Shriner's Hospital /Portland ABATE Chapter's Toy Run, is held at noon on the first Saturday of December. We gather at the Tri-Met bus barn in the morning and ride with a year's worth of financial and toy collections to the hospital whether it be rain, snow or shine. Our year long efforts make it possible to buy custom made wheelchairs, other specialized equipment and toys for the children at the Shriner's Hospital.

12/5/2009 - Abate / Shriner's Toy Run

Santa and his elves ride with us and bring special presents for all of the children in the hospital that day. For more information on this worthy event, please contact Vicki O'Donnell or Tami Pitkin, our Toy Run Representatives.

www.abatetoyrun.com

Chaplain's Corner

Mike Friend

(503) 255-5415

Hi, I am your Chaplain.

I am available for hospital visits, jail visits, visits and weddings. The most important service I can provide for you is prayer. I am always available for prayer, taking your prayer request (or pray with you) or placing items of concern or joy in front of the Father. If you need a listening ear, I am a good listener. Whatever is told to me is kept in confidence.

I have not always been a Christian. I was an atheist at one time and so I believe I understand the perspective from those that don't believe in God or are unsure about God. I was there at one time ( getting hit over the head with a Bible didn't work for me ) so I believe it does not work for others as well. I didn't come to know God until I met real Christian people. I see God in motorcycling and I see motorcycling as a metaphor of life. For this reason the mixture of Jesus and motorcycles has been a good mix for me.

As you ride the twisty corners of life and those hairpin corners get very hairy, you can trust the Lord Jesus Christ just as you trust the forces that keep your bike upright. Since God created those forces for us to enjoy and keep us grounded, Jesus is available to all who call upon His name.

Your Chaplain, Mike

SE Portland Abate Food Drive

The other major organization we actively support is the Salvation Army's Harbor Lights program. We continue to build the Food Drve in the spirit of "Cisco", the deceased son of one of our members, and others who have done an enormous amount of work with this program over the years. The SE Chapter members work to raise a truck-load of food over the year to help make the homeless a little less hungry.

3/13/2009 - at Costco

2009 was a down year, on account of the state of the economy,for the food drive. The total donations came to $1800.00 and many thanks to all who donated in 2008 and 2009. Brother Craig Blair provided the vehicle for food p/u and delivery.We filled the Harbor Lights wish list as best we could. This only happens because of everyone's help all year. Thanks to you all. Our Food Drive Director is Craig Blair. If you wish to learn more about our Food Drive or wish to help out, please contact us.

2010 Food Drive Photos