By Jennifer Alexander Tribune-Herald staff writer March 5, 2005

The American Red Cross may soon be in hog heaven when motorcycle enthusiasts roll into Waco this fall, showcasing their bikes and helping raise money for the Heart of Texas area chapter.

The TM Group on Friday unveiled plans for the first-ever Texas Twister Rally, a three-day motorcycle event commemorating the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The rally is set for Sept. 9-11 at the Heart O' Texas Fair Complex with proceeds going to the Red Cross to help provide assistance in Central Texas communities.

Besides saluting the heroes and honoring the victims of Sept. 11, the event will offer live bands, poker runs, a motorcycle show and vendors from all areas of the motorcycle world.

"It certainly is a pleasure that the American Red Cross is going to be the charity for the Texas Twister Rally," chapter executive director Rosemary Mayes said. "This is just the perfect fit."

Mayes said the biggest misconception among people is that the organization receives government funding when, in fact, "locally, we have to raise money to go out and help people in the community."

The local chapter recently expanded its coverage area from 14 to 16 counties, adding Bell and Coryell counties. It operates with an annual budget of $500,000 to $600,000, Mayes said.

J.R. Marquez of the TM Group said the marketing firm seeks to aid charities through its planned events, and the theme of the rally made the Red Cross the perfect recipient.

Because the rally will take place on the Sept. 11 anniversary, it will include a tribute to the nation, its military personnel and heroes.

"We want something that says we never want to forget what happened or our troops," Marquez said.

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, not only applauded the organizations involved in helping bring the rally to life, he also thanked the Red Cross for its service.

"Out of every tragedy comes the goodness and the best of Americans," he said. "The Red Cross is always there."

Edwards, who said his younger son is a motorcycle fan, said he planned to attend the rally.

"Maybe I can even hop on someone's Harley," the congressman said.

Marquez said several thousand people have already expressed interest in the rally, mainly through its promotional Web site. Those numbers are expected to translate into attendance, he said.

The rally is expected to bring between 20,000 and 40,000 people to the HOT complex, something City Manager Larry Groth says will have a significant impact on Waco's economy.

"I go to these rallies and they're a lot of fun," said Groth, a Harley rider. "They bring in a lot of people. People who can afford a bike have a disposable income, and when they come in they will spend money."

Groth said he's often approached by people with "great ideas," many of which don't come to fruition. The rally is something he feels will help showcase all Waco has to offer.

"For me, the big gain is a lot of people coming in," he said. "They may not stay long, but if they come in and see our parks and some of our great attractions, they're sold.

"And you never know who's coming in on bikes; they might be decision-makers for companies or they're looking to move. The long-term gain is priceless."