A Random Act of Kindness brought together motorcylists to raise funds for disaster relief.

        The Good Timers social club pulled together 1,000 motorcylists and promoted a 5-mile Freedom Ride and Call to Unity last week and raised $35,000 for the Clear Channel relief fund.

        Mike Behr and Jim Wray, members of the club, coordinated the event.

        “We went to all the places motorcylists hang out and started gathering up support,” Mr. Behr said. “We also involved the Cincinnati Police motorcycle unit.”

        After getting a cadre of motorcycle riders, policemen, firefighters and local businesses together, the group took off going north on I-75 with 1,000 motorcycles, guarded by patrol officers from Cincinnati, St. Bernard, and Colerain and Green townships.

        The entourage moved west on I-74 and then east on I-275 and south on I-71.

        The group ended at Yeatman Cove downtown where they had a program. Mayor Charlie Luken gave a proclamation and several bands played until 8 p.m.

        “Our main purpose was to show support for our local fire and police, raise money for disaster relief and give a show of unity,” Mr. Behr said.
       • • •

        The Hillel Jewish Student Center is challenging students at the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University to perform 5,000 Acts of Kindness in memory of the 5,000 lives lost in the attack on the World Trade Center.

        At a 10 a.m. news conference (today) at the center, 2615 Clifton Ave., University Heights, Rabbi Abie Ingber, executive director of Hillel; Mitchel Livingston, vice president of student affairs and human resources at UC; and the Rev. Leo Klein, S.J., vice president at Xavier will discuss the project.

        Acts of Kindness can be stopping teachers to thank them for their instruction or buying a gift certificate for lunch or ice cream for a maintenance person.

        Students, faculty and staff also will be encouraged to donate funds in honor of the heroes and victims of Sept. 11 or to those who are still recovering in a hospital.

        • • •

        The National Football League has given substantial support to the Survivors Relief Fund.

        NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue presented the National Automobile Dealers Association with a $500,000 check for the fund, set up to aid victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

        • • •

        Essence Magazine which targets African-American women for its readership, is seeking to honor individuals or organizations that serve African-American youth through the performing arts. Deadline for applications for the Essence Award 2002 is Thursday. For information: e-mail ro@msro.com
       

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Monday-Friday and Sundays. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are committing random acts of kindness that are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at (513) 768-8362; at ahoward@enquirer.com; or by fax at (513) 768-8340.
       

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