HAWORTH, N.J.—For the George Washington Bridge to close down, something huge has to be happening, and on Sept. 8 it did.
This past Sunday, the Andiamo Motorcycle Charity Run hosted its 20th ride, and engines and enthusiasts were all in high gear.
By 9:30 a.m., nearly 1,000 riders and spectators gathered in the parking lot of Andiamo Restaurant in Haworth for one of New Jersey’s largest fundraisers on wheels. Riders came from dozens of towns in New Jersey and as far away as Albany, New York.
The event began at 10 a.m., as Don Dickstein, the owner of Andiamo Restaurant who founded the event, welcomed all the participants and extended a gracious “thank you” to the police and event sponsors.
This was followed by a glorious rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” delivered by a young female singer.
Throughout the event, Dickstein was accompanied and assisted by his family, including his wife, Linda, his son Alan and his wife Gina, Dickstein’s daughter Jill and his granddaughter Alex.
By 10:20, the ride began with a roar. Led by a police motorcycle brigade, with 72 policemen and sheriff’s department officers who had come from all over New Jersey and New York, the motorcyclists departed from Andiamo Restaurant at 23 Hardenburgh Avenue and followed a more than 50-mile course through northeast New Jersey and southeast New York. Wives and children were mounted on the rear of some motorcycles, making it a fun family affair.
The vehicles roared up the Palisade Parkway, then back down to Fort Lee and across the George Washington Bridge, which was closed specifically to make way for this event. They then made their way back to Closter where they were greeted with rousing cheers.
By noon, when the ride had wrapped up, Andiamo Restaurant hosted a festive block party celebration with a sumptuous buffet, including mounds of pizza and grilled foods and beverages.
DJ Les Lovell from O. DiBella Music entertained and there was a dramatic exhibition of police motorcycle skills by some of the best riders anywhere.
Don Dickstein initially launched the run in 1999 to raise funds for the Cresskill Police Department, and has since expanded the event in support of additional charity beneficiaries.
Proceeds from the run will support the Englewood Health Foundation, Haworth Volunteer Ambulance, Special Olympics, Haworth Police Auxiliary, Andiamo Scholarship to St. Therese School, and other local charities.
Adding to the event’s revenue, there was a 50/50 raffle and displays of motorcycle paraphernalia for sale.
Sponsors include Englewood Heath, Sabrett, Davis, Saperstein & Salomon Motorcycle Accident Litigation Unit, Harley Davidson and Kings Supermarket.
Dickstein was delighted with the huge support that the Andiamo Run receives.
“It brings together many communities for wonderful causes,” Dickstein said, “and my family and I are proud to host it. This is our 20th Andiamo ride, and we hope to keep it going for many more years!”
