As he awaits a third kidney transplant, David White raffled off a custom-made Harley-Davidson motorcycle built for his own use in an effort to help others in the same medical predicament as him.
White co-owns White's Pit Stop in Schererville with his brother, Steve White. He has been a lifelong diabetic which has led to numerous health problems. The 47-year-old's first kidney transplant was 19 years ago with the organ donated by his father, Jim, who started the high-performance parts store for race cars and Harley-Davidsons in 1967 in Dolton with his wife, Carol.
When that initial transplant failed after 12 years, David's wife, Joann, donated her kidney, which lasted for several years. David is now need of a new, and hopefully final, transplant.
Because he's unable to ride his custom bike due to health issues, David, who endures dialysis treatments every other day, decided to put it to good use.
"I'll miss it," he admits. "But it was a neat experience all together -- the raffle, the whole deal. So many people were involved."
Approximately 1,200 tickets were sold at $10 each. A percentage of the proceeds are being donated to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Foundation's transplant center and the Nathan C. Splant Foundation, which was started by a racing enthusiast to benefit premature babies and their families.
The lucky winner is Larry Alexander, of South Holland. He purchased one $10 ticket and is now the proud owner of a $40,000-valued pro street bike.
"I was shocked, elated and feeling blessed," said Alexander, who prior to the raffle was looking to purchase a motorcycle.
Knowing the raffle was for a good cause made the winning that much more special to Alexander. When he picked up the bike Wednesday night, Alexander presented a check to David White for $100 towards the Northwestern foundation.
Steve said many local businesses and companies pitched in to help with the raffle by donating other prizes or selling tickets at their locations, including Absolute Vodka, Buddy & Pals Place and Papi Chulo's Bar & Grill.
David said he plans to build another bike and "do the same thing again" for the charity.
