Thank You !
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To all of the volunteer staff, contributors, sponsors, relatives, friends and attendees - you made the Indian Jeff Benefit a success! Jeff would like to pass along his sincere appreciation to all of the wonderful people involved. A very special thanks to Peter, who worked almost non-stop from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning - auctioning items, signing autographs, posing for photos on the Captain America bike, taping interviews and much more. Peter and his wife Becky were wonderful guests, meeting and greeting hundreds of attendees at the two day event...
Above photos- Peter just after finishing the Poker Run on Saturday, and Jeff (with water bottle) and Peter outside the KZOK studios on Friday afternoon.
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August 2002 medical update and other info
Indian Jeff Benefit merchandise order form
(left over from the Benefit, most items are in limited supply)
Indian Jeff Benefit report
Click on any photos below for enlargement
Peter and Jeff with the Captain America bike. Click to enlarge.
Peter and his wife Becky arrived at Sea-Tac airport at 2:00 on Friday, the day before the Benefit. They were immediately driven to Norm's shop, Antique Cycles Northwest, to spend the rest of the day with Jeff. Upon arriving, Peter greeted Jeff in an emotional reunion. They sat in the back of the shop and chatted away endlessly. KING TV's Evening Magazine crew arrived in the afternoon and filmed an interview with Peter and Jeff for an upcoming special.
Ready to go to "work", Peter spent over an hour signing items for the event, including copies of the Easy Rider video, Benefit posters, programs, laserdiscs, books, paintings, certificates for the Bike show winners, and even a few promotional jars of Ulee's Gold honey.
At 4:30 Jeff and Peter left to do a live on-air interview with Gary Crow at KZOK FM. During the 5:00 to 6:00 hour they talked with Gary about the Benefit, motorcycling, and Peter's film career. After the interview Peter took the time to sign a few posters and pictures for the KZOK staff, who were wonderful hosts. Outside the studio fans were lined up awaiting autographs from Peter, who obliged and signed for them.
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Peter and Jeff live on KZOK, signing Easy Rider posters, outside with Gary Crow, and having dinner at Norm's. Note the "Oscar" on the table, "presented" to Peter by Jeff and brother Mark. Peeking out from the left of the table is Jeff's son, Ryan.
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After the radio show, Peter checked into his hotel for a short break. At 7:30pm he returned to Norm's for a salmon dinner with Jeff and some family members.
Everyone enjoyed visiting with Peter and his wife, who were excited about participating in the weekend activities and events, and stressed the fact that they were here to help Jeff out to the best of their ability. Facing a long day ahead of them, Peter and Becky retired to their Hotel room at the Sorrento around 11:00pm.
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Peter on the VME Poker Run, signed items awaiting the auction, photographer Bob York at Norm's shop, and Peter signing autographs for fans. |
Volunteers were at the event site early Friday preparing for the Saturday Benefit. Many worked through the night and took short breaks on the boat, some staying overnight. Dozens more arrived Saturday morning and quickly went to work, setting up the motorcycle show, band stage, Captain America bike stage, silent auction displays, and souvenir tables.
Over at the Riverside Inn in Tukwila, riders started arriving at 7:00am Saturday for the VME (Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts) sponsored Poker Run. Participants could start the ride at 8:00, but most were waiting for Peter. More than 300 bikers and friends greeted him upon his arrival at 9:45am. Anxious for the ride, Peter immediately went to his bike and prepared for the 60 mile ride, which he enjoyed thoroughly. Thanks to the VME, this event alone raised thousands of dollars. 1500 Indian Jeff Benefit metal ride pins were manufactured, and all had sold out by Saturday afternoon.
The crowd started arriving at the Benefit site just after 9:00pm, awaiting the 10:00 opening. More than 100 bikes were on display at the Evolution of Motorcycling Show, which featured motorcycles from the late 1800s to the present. Attendees voted for their favorite bikes at $1.00 donation per vote. Vintage trophies were awarded to the winners of each of the 12 categories, with each winner also receiving a custom certificate signed by Peter.
Peter and fellow riders arrived back from the Poker run around 12:30, and took a short break before greeting Jeff on stage with the Captain America Bike. The replica bike was trailed up from Arizona by owners Ray and Donna Turpin, at their own expense. Ray has spent nearly 25 years restoring and fine-tuning this near perfect replica of the bike used in the Easy Rider film. Peter's comment was that he thought it looked better than the original. The bike was set on a stage with a backdrop painting of a mountain scene from the movie. People lined up for hours to have their picture taken with Peter on the bike. This proved to be one of the more popular events of the show, and the schedule had to be changed to prolong the photo sessions, which lasted a total of more than 3 hours.
During a break from the Captain America photos, Peter sat at a table and signed autographs for fans. Each signature requesting a donation of $20, he signed photos, posters, shirts, books, and many other items for more than a half hour.
The live auction was also a huge success. With Peter and others on stage, many unique and rare items were put up for bid. A pair of painted "Easy Rider" gas tanks sold for $850. A signed poster of Peter from 1969 sold for $500, while signed copies of the Easy Rider videotape fetched from $50-$80. There was also rare motorcycle parts and memorabilia, as well as paintings and lithographs.
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A large crowd bidding at the auction, Peter on stage auctioning Jeff's miniature bike which sold for $3,200, people lining up for the Captain America Bike photos, and attendee Steve Leicht meets Peter.
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The most expensive item sold was one of Jeff's antique motorcycle sculptures (held by Peter in the photo above). Friend and Cossacks member Dave Edie won the bid at $3,200. He also purchased a second sculpture for $1,500. Starting many years ago, Jeff crafted a total of 15 of these miniature bikes, each around a foot long and made entirely of old motorcycle parts. Handlebars moved, the seats had springs, and other parts functioned as well. The detail and craftsmanship has brought Jeff much artistry praise and recognition over the years. Two of the 15 sculptures are owned by Peter Fonda and Willie G. Davidson.
After the auction and without a break, Peter returned to the Captain America bike to have more photos taken. He finished around 7:30pm and went straight to the autograph table, where he spent more than ninety more minutes signing for donations. His dedication and endurance were remarkable. He had already worked more than hours, yet was willing to keep on going to continue to raise money for Jeff. During the day Peter shook hands and met hundreds of show attendees. He walked among the crowd at times and posed for lots of photographs. Several local TV reporters were on hand, and Peter graciously agreed to several on-camera interviews.
Throughout the day, thousands of people attended the event. Hundreds of T-shirts and other souvenirs were sold, as well as a lot of concessions. The event was a success for Jeff, raising money for his future medical expenses and needs.
On Sunday morning, Jeff had breakfast with Peter and Becky in their hotel room. They discussed Jeff's future and their plans to ride to Sturgess again. Peter signed a few more posters to be auctioned in the future, and bid a fond farewell to his friend, Indian Jeff.
Jeff would personally like to thanks the hundreds of volunteers, friends and family members who donated thousands of hours of work and resources to put this Benefit together. A special thanks, of course, goes to Peter and Becky Fonda, whose spectacular cooperation, efforts, work, guidance and friendship went a long way to make the event what it was - a remarkable showing of the magnitude and extremes to which people will still go to to help out a fellow friend and human being. That Peter donated time from his demanding schedule speaks volumes about the friendship and bonds formed within the motorcycling community. A second annual Benefit is being planned for next year to help other fellow motorcycles...
You can send a donation to Jeff at the following address:
Jeff McGeary Fund
PO Box 3393
Lacey, WA. 98059-3393
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Below is the original web page as it appeared before the event, which contains the schedule of activities and other Benefit details. Also listed are the sponsors and committee members who graciously donated their time, energy, resources, cash and materials to make the benefit possible.
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Seattle In-Line Arena
Saturday May 2, 1998
At The Riverside Mill
3800 West Marginal Way
Seattle, WA. 98106
(206) 937-1201
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Sponsors and Contributors
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The South King County Journal published a nice article on Jeff before the event. You can read the entire text on their web page. The article is titled Born To Ride.
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The benefit included: Poker run with Peter Fonda, live music, silent auction, live auction featuring autographed copies of the Easy Rider video and other items, Peter Fonda question & answer audience participation session, run pins, T-Shirts, decals, posters, food and beverages, and a motorcycle show depicting "The Evolution of Motorcycling" which will focus on restored stock, race and custom machines from a 1896 steam powered bicycle, through, and up to the present.
Peter Fonda & friends came together and constructed this benefit to help Jeff, his wife and sons cope with the staggering expenses related to his accident. That Mr. Fonda is donating time from his demanding schedule speaks volumes about the friendship and bonds formed within the motorcycling community.
Jeff has been a supremely dedicated enthusiast and premier restorer of antique and vintage motorcycles. A mechanical artist with a strong belief that freeing these machines from static display to operating condition is Jeff's energetic style of logic.
His personal machines: A 1912 and a 1928 Harley-Davidson, and a 1946 Indian Chief ridden to Sturgis twenty-six times, except last year when he rode his '28 JD there and back.
The Indian Jeff Benefit was the first in a series of annual events. This first year will be purely to help out Jeff who, after crashing in Montana while riding alone, has lost the use of his legs and lost all his fingers to frost bite. Jeff’s story is a real tragedy but unfortunately is not an isolated incident. This last year has seen more of our Motorcycle family suffer worse sorts of disaster than any time we can remember. What is really tough, besides watching our friends suffer, is the feeling of hopelessness and helplessness that we get watching them not only suffer physically also financially - being unable to provide for themselves. What we propose, now that we have the organization in place, is to repeat this effort on a yearly basis to aid our friends and their families...
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Pre-Event
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Radio 107.7 FM
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Wednesday April 29 | Peter Fonda Live with Andy Savage | 9:00am PDT |
 | Radio 102.5 FM
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Friday May 1 | Peter Fonda Live with Gary Crow | 5:00pm PDT
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Schedule of Events
(times subject to change)
All events are at the Riverside Mill/Seattle In-Line Arena EXCEPT the Poker Run
which will start at the Riverside Inn in Tukwila
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| Exhibitor setup | 6:00am - 10:00am |
VME Indian Jeff Poker Run with Peter Fonda
Sponsored by (VME), Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts, the Poker Run will meet at The Riverside Inn at 14060 Interurban South, Tukwila, WA. The first bike out will be at 8:00 a.m. and registration for the run will stay open until 11:00 a.m. The 60-mile scenic run will end at the Benefit site and there will be a cash prize for the top 12 scores. The total pay out will be 10% of the proceeds up to $2500.00. For information on the Poker Run contact Bill Farley at (206) 782-3731. | 8:00am start |
| Ticket office opens | 9:00am |
| Gates open | 10:00am |
Evolution of Motorcycling Show
Come see your favorite antique and classic motorcycles and the best customs of today, or show your special machine at the show. All brands welcome. Vintage trophies awarded to the winners of each of the twelve classes. Check-in for trailered show bikes from 6-10 a.m. Saturday. Ride-in entries accepted until noon or until space fills up. Preregister to be sure of a show space. For information on showing a bike contact Greg Field at (206) 547-4722.
| 10:00am - 9:00pm |
| Christian Crusaders (live music) / Preacher Mike Revival | 11:00am - 3:00pm |
Silent auction
Downtown Harley-Davidson, Inc. has donated their used parts and there will be items from other Harley dealers as well as non-bike items. If anybody wants to donate anything please contact Karin Peterson at (425)742-8922.
| 12:00pm - 6:00pm |
Live entertainment
Hosted by Spud Goodman, Accordion Joe and Ted Abernethy.
12:30-1:15 The Jeff Daniel's Band
3:00-3:30 Justin Curtis's Rockabilly Co-Op
4:00-4:30 The Rossi's
5:00-6:00 Jim Bassnight Thing (international recording artist)
6:00-7:00 Nick Vigarino (multiple blues award winner)
7:45-8:15 The Dusty 45's (rockabilly legends)
8:20-9:20 The Cowboys(with founding members Ian Fisher and Jack Hanan, and new member Dave Dederer, formerly of The Presidents of the USA)
9:30-10:00 All-star jam (featuring members of legendary Seattle bands The Presidents, The Supersuckers, The Cowboys, The Muffs, and Zeke.)
| 12:30pm - 10:00pm |
| Canadian Wings Drill Team | 1:00pm |
| Opening Ceremonies with Peter Fonda | 1:45pm |
Personal photos with Peter Fonda
(on the Captain America replica bike, limited, fee charged) | 2:00pm - 5:00pm |
| Peter Fonda on stage - live auction items, audience participation, signing sessions, and more | 3:00pm - 9:00pm |
| VME Poker Run Awards Ceremony | 5:00pm - 5:15pm |
| Motorcycle Show trophy awards | 7:30pm - 7:45 pm |
| Gate Admission |
| Benefit General Admission | $ 15.00
(Age 12 & under $ 12.00) |
| Poker run | $ 10.00 (does not include admission to Benefit site) |
Pre-Sale Admission / options
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Tickets available at |  | (206) 628-0888
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(Prices do not include Ticketmaster convenience charge)
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| General Admission | $ 10.00 |
| General Admission + Pin | $ 15.00 |
| General Admission + Pin + T-shirt | $ 30.00 |
General Admission + Event Poster
(Autographed by Peter Fonda - limited quantity) | $ 100.00 |
Premium Quality Custom SouvenirsThe following items will also be available for sale on this web page after the event.
Quantities on some items may be limited.
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| Decal | $ 1.00 |
Event Poster
large size 17" x 25" | $ 5.00 |
| Pin | $ 5.00 |
| T-shirt | $ 15.00 |
| Sweatshirt | $ 35.00 |
Event videotape
(Highlights of all the events including the Poker Run, motorcycle show, awards, bands, interviews with Peter, and more. VHS Hi-Fi, color cover, 45-60 minutes. Available summer '98) | $ 20.00 |
Lodging
The following is a list of a few local area motels selected at random. For information on other motels and hotels, as well as complete visitor information and on-line maps, visit this web site:
The City Guide To Seattle Washington |
Comfort Inn 19333 Pacific Hwy So, Sea-Tac, WA
(206) 878-1100 (Near Sea-Tac airport, 12 miles from event site) | $ 85.00 single
$ 90.00 double |
Econo Lodge 19333 Pacific Hwy So, Sea-Tac, WA
(206) 446-6661 (Near Sea-Tac airport, 12 miles from event site) | $ 59.00 single
$ 69.00 double |
Howard Johnson 20045 Pacific Hwy So, Sea-Tac, WA
(206) 878-3310 (Near Sea-Tac airport, 12 miles from event site) | $ 55.00 single
$ 65.00 double |
Georgetown Inn 6100 Corson Ave So, Seattle, WA
(206) 762-2233 (3 miles from event site) | $ 55.00 single
$ 69.00 double |
Silver Cloud 13050 48th So, Tukwila, WA
(206) 241-2200 (9 miles from event site, 1 mile from Poker Run start) | $ 79.00 single
$ 89.00 double |
From Jean Godden's column, The Seattle Times, Monday April 13th:
Peter's goal: If you think actor Peter Fonda has gone Hollywood since netting an Academy Award nomination for "Ulee's Gold", you'd be wrong.
Fonda leaped at a chance to travel here next month to raise money for an injured friend, Jeff McGeary. McGeary suffered severe injuries while riding his vintage 1946 Indian Chief motorcycle to Montana last fall.
McGeary collided with a cow and then lay unconscious in subfreezing weather for 10 hours before being found, covered in frost with a body temperature of 80 degrees.
Miraculously, McGeary survived. But he's spent months at Harborview Medical Center and is paralyzed from the chest down.
To help with medical bills, motorcyclist buddies have arranged a May 2 "Indian Jeff Benefit" at Riverside Mill, 3800 W. Marginal Way. Activities include live music, food, motorcycle show and competition. (Call Ticketmaster for tickets.)
When asked if he'd help, Fonda said, "You bet, man. Jeff taught me how to live." Those attending can have pictures taken with Fonda and the Captain America chopper.
©1998 The Seattle Times Company
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You can send a donation to Jeff at the following address:
Jeff McGeary Fund
PO Box 3393
Lacey, WA. 98059-3393
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Sponsors and Contributors
The following companies are gratefully acknowledged for having donated tens of thousands of dollars in cash, goods, and/or services for the Indian Jeff Benefit event:
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| Advanced Imaging and Networks 1930 6th Ave S #400 Seattle WA 98134-1620 (206) 622-2963 |
| Antique Cycle Northwest 5601 University Wy Ne Seattle WA 98105-2619 (206) 522-8010 |
| Auburn Cycle |
| Bellingham Harley-Davidson 1419 N State St Bellingham WA 98225-4512 (360) 671-7575 |
| Bent Bike Motorcycle Salvage 18327 Hwy 99 Lynnwood WA 98037-4409 (425) 776-9157 |
| Big Air Productions PO Box 475 Indianola WA 98342-0475 (360) 779-9157 |
| Bridgestone Tires |
| Cycle Barn 18730 Hy 99 Lynnwood WA 98037-4511 (425) 774-3538 |
| Destination Harley-Davidson of Tacoma 2302 Pacific Hy E Fife WA 98424-1014 (253) 922-3700 |
| Downtown Harley-Davidson Inc. 6727 Martin Luther King Jr Wy S Seattle, WA (206) 722-8457 |
| Dunlop Tires |
| Eastside Harley-Davidson 13131 Northup Way Bellevue WA 98005-2017 (800) 823-6814 |
| GES Exposition Services, Inc. 4060 Lind Sw Renton WA 98055-4902 (425) 251-6565 |
| Helix Creative 105 S Main Suite 327 Seattle WA 98104-2535 (206) 223-0402
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| Metzeler/Pirelli |
| Motorcycle Works of Renton |
| Northwest Harley-Davidson 1835 Cooper Pt Rd Olympia WA (360) 705-8515 |
| PCS Millwork Inc. 13633 Ne 126th Pl Kirkland WA 98034-8724 (425) 820-5688 |
| Mysterion |
| Prop and Costume |
| Seattle Cycle Center 10203 Aurora Ave N Seattle WA 98133-9331 (206) 524-0044 |
| Seattle In-Line Arena 3800 West Marginal Way Seattle, WA. 98106 (206) 937-1201 |
| Sorrento Hotel 900 Madison Seattle WA 98104-1234 (206) 622-6400 |
| Spectro Oils |
| Star Rentals & Sales 1919 4th S Seattle WA 98134-1503 (206) 622-7880 |
| Studio 3 Inc. 807 Aurora N Seattle WA 98109-4317 (206) 282-0939 |
| Synergy Racing |
| Tektronix Printers (800) 835-6100 |
| Thrash Wear |
| Ticketmaster |
| Videoland Productions 805 College St SE Lacey, WA 98503 (360) 491-1332 |
| VME (Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts) |
| Captain America Bike provided by Ray and Donna Turpin |
| Harley-Davidson, Inc. Official Web Site |
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Volunteer Committee & Staff
Jeff and his family would like to especially thank the friends listed below, as well as the more than one hundred other volunteers who together, with the family, have donated many thousands of hours of their time and resources for this event during the past six months:
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| Ted Abernethy |
| Kelly Anderson |
| Butch Ballhorn |
| Skip Balliet |
| Jerry Chinn |
| Ron Dahlen |
| Easy & Jade |
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| Bill Farley
| | Greg Field |
| Dave Frieboth |
| Norm Gerlich |
| Randy Jamison |
| Mike Kane |
| Jeni Karshna |
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| Terry Kellog |
| Linda Kelly |
| Doug Lanning |
| Charlie McGihon |
| Barry Mercer |
| Michael Muncy
| | Jim O'Keefe |
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| Sandy Pernitz |
| Karin Peterson |
| Scott Renaud |
| John Scharf |
| Jim Sorrenson |
| Craig Stewart |
| Robert York |
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Web page design and layout by Mitch. Indian Jeff logo graphic design by Mike Muncy, Helix Creative.
