From leading a famous rock band to heading up a road full of
motorcycles, Dee Snider has become the front man for a
worthy cause.
Best known as the front man for the 1980s heavy metal
band Twisted Sister, Dee Snider is taking on a new lead role
this year as Honorary Chairman of March of Dimes Bikers for
Babies. The cause is personal: two of his children were born
prematurely, and he's leading the pack to help other babies
be born healthy.
Despite the wild-man image from his heavy metal days, Snider
and his wife, Suzette, have been together for 32 years and
have four children. Dee spoke about his personal story of
premature birth and why he is involved with the March of
Dimes visit on the charity's
podcast.
Snider
is also a radio personality, television host, author,
voiceover artist, screenplay writer and actor. He has
adopted the March of Dimes Bikers for Babies as his charity
of choice. After riding with the Connecticut Chapter of the
March of Dimes for three years, Snider saw a need and
created and chaired the event that carries his name --- Dee
Snider's Bikers for Babies on Long Island, N.Y. That was six
years ago. "I'm honored to be a part of these events and
proud of their success in raising funds to fight premature
birth," he says. Snider will personally participate in three
upcoming events: they are in Alabama on Oct. 11; St. Louis
on Oct. 12; and in Las Vegas on Oct. 25.
He also appeared last week on Fox's TV show Kitchen
Nightmares, riding an autographed motorcycle donated by
Lighthouse Harley-Davidson of Huntington Station, New York,
which will be auctioned to benefit the March of Dimes.
Bikers interested in riding along or make a donation to
support Bikers for Babies can visit the
charity's website.
"Dee Snider has been a dedicated volunteer for several years
now, and we're really pleased that he's agreed to take on a
greater role in helping March of Dimes efforts for stronger,
healthier babies," says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of
the March of Dimes. "Just looking out at all of the
dedicated bikers, both individuals and families, who come
together for this event makes you want to suit up yourself
and go for a spin."
In total, 30 Bikers for Babies events will be held this
year, primarily in the fall months. The rides average
between 60 and 80 miles. The event is sponsored nationally
by Farmers Insurance Group.
As part of his ongoing fundraising for the March of Dimes,
Snider will be raffling off a custom-designed bike in
January 2009. The proceeds will go to Dee Snider's Bikers
for Babies on Long Island, N.Y.
Last year, more than 45,000 riders and 250 motorcycle clubs
got on the road and raised $2.8 million for babies. The
March of Dimes is the leading organization for pregnancy and
baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event,
March for Babies(R), the March of Dimes works to improve the
health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature
birth and infant mortality.