With theme bikes like POW/MIA, Comanche and Jet (inspired by and unveiled on the USS Intrepid) under their belts, it's no secret the Teutuls are big supporters of U.S. troops. In May 2005, the guys took that support one step further, gathering more than 100 autographed collectibles for an "Orange County Choppers Support Our Troops" auction to benefit the families of soldiers seriously wounded or killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The items ranged from show props such as the never-used Liberty Bike face sculpture welded by Mike Campo, to personal effects such as Mikey's infamous adidas shorts and New Balance sneakers, to time with the Teutuls themselves. OCC also worked with their celebrity friends and partners for additional contributions, which resulted in Steven Tyler and the members of Aerosmith donating signed T-shirts and a guitar, Lance Armstrong lending his signature to a one-of-a-kind Discovery Channel "bike chopper," and the Greater New York Toyota Dealers Association pitching in with a 2005 Prius. And of course, the highlight: choppers built by Senior andJunior specifically for the auction.
The proceeds benefited two charities in particular: the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which provides unrestricted grants for the families of soldiers recently killed in action, and the Fisher House Foundation, a home away from home for families of seriously wounded soldiers being treated in military hospitals.
Although the auction (which raised more than a quarter-million dollars) is over, viewers can still make a donation to either or both organizations if they choose. Just visit www.fallenheroesfund.org and/or www.fisherhouse.org for more information, and be sure to mention the Orange County Choppers Auction Fund.
Now, take a look at photos of the event and some of the items that went up for bid.
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THE EVENT PHOTOS
See the guys and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith mingle with fans and soldiers alike on the night of the auction, which was held on May 6, 2005, at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in Manhattan.
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THE ITEM PHOTOS
Sample some of the 100-plus items that went up for bid, including the choppers built by Senior and Junior specifically for the auction.
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