Zackys Custom Rods, Seattle, WA

Saturday, 20 December 2008 00:00

It is always the season to give.

From a small auto body shop to be found on Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, there flows an unexpected river of compassion. It washes over kids of the Pacific Northwest who come to Children’s Hospital for treatment of life-threatening health concerns.

Along with the usual repairs of damaged vehicles, Keith Wong of A + N Aurora Body & Paint shows a talent and a passion for designing custom motorcycles. Such bikes are commonly called “choppers” and maybe some other names best not mentioned here.

Keith’s creations are specifically known as “Zackys Custom Rods” or on the street as just plain “Zackys.” However, I’m here to tell you there is nothing plain about a custom-built Zackys. And even though each bike is unique, Keith’s are easily recognized at any biker gathering, admired for their plain, clean, timeless lines.

Keith was born in China. He tells me, “The opportunity to come here, to work hard, and live beyond my childhood dreams makes me want to give others a chance at a future.” After building Zackys prized by paying clientele, Keith realized how he could “give back.” With a little help from his friends, he resolved to create a custom Zackys and donate it to a fund-raiser for the Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Several years later, the result was noted in the magazine V-Twin Motorcycles, December, 2008 issue, in an article entitled “V-Twin Gala and Auction Bike.” The piece stated, “For three years running, Zackys Custom Rods has served as a featured sponsor of the annual Children’s Ride benefiting Seattle’s Children’s Hospital.” The affair is notable as the largest charity motorcycle event in the Pacific Northwest.

Now every year, Keith and friends build an original cycle for their favorite charity. Their goal is to have a $1 million weekend fund-raiser for the Hospital. Many bike industry celebrities, fired up by Keith’s example and urging, contribute their own efforts, hoping to make the 2009 V-Twin Gala and Auction the one that hits the million-dollar mark.

When Keith delivers his classy new motorcycle to be donated to the Children’s Hospital, many of the children are on hand to have their picture taken on the new Zacky. For some, it’s a dream of what might be…

This is an open invitation by Keith and friends to bike builders and cycle enthusiasts around Puget Sound to join in this remarkable effort, aimed at helping kids have a future.

...every child deserves a dream.

Belva & The Bearded One