Nam Knights Westside Motorcyle Club Raises Funds for Haley House, Fallen Officers

Every day's a battle for 6-year-old Charlie McNabb.

Born with cerebral palsy, he can't walk or speak. But he loves motorcycles and is a steadfast patriot, according to his mother, Jane Muino.

So Saturday found the mother and son at the fifth annual Pig Roast Fundraiser to benefit military and law enforcement charities.

"Charlie loves motorcycles more than anything. He just goes nuts when he sees a motorcycle. And these guys have sort of adopted him," said Muino.

"These guys" are the members of the Nam Knights Westside motorcyle club, who hosted the pig roast Saturday at the Winthrop Pole Barn off Bloomingdale Avenue.

The club's mission is to "honor the memory of American veterans and police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, to assist veterans and police officers in their time of need and to promote community awareness through sponsorship and participation in various fundraising events.”

To that end, the Nam Knights hold an annual fundraising event to benefit the Haley House and fallen law enforcement officers.

The event, costing $15, attracted hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts and featured live music, food, beverages, vendors, raffles and both a silent and live auction.

"This is a great event," said Dave Braun, president of the Hillsborough County Veterans Council. "It helps raise funds for a very good cause."

A Vietnam veteran, that cause is near and dear to Braun's heart. The Haley House Fund houses and supports the families of soldiers being cared for at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

The Haley House Fund works with area hotels to house and feed family members who come from all over the country to be with injured service men and women.

In the past four years, the Nam Knights Westside, made up of veterans and law enforcement personnel, has raised more than $45,000 for the Haley House Fund through its annual pig roast.

Braun noted that the purpose of the Haley House Fund is to support the caregivers of injured military men and women, who have had severe brain injuries, loss of limbs and other combat injuries.

"The funds enable us to house and transport these family members at no charge," Braun said.

He noted that the Haley House Fund depends entirely on donations and that organizations such as the Nam Knights Westside are crucial to the fund.

"We need more organizations like this to raise funds," he said.

Participating in the live auction, Jane Muino was doing her part to help the cause.

"I support them because they've always been so supportive of me and my son," she said.

As if to emphasize her point, Braun took off a beaded necklace he has worn for years and placed it over Charlie's head, a gift from one patriot to another, he said.