The heart is an amazing force.

Wendy Clemens, Amanda Jones, Andy Jones, Zach Mussman, and Tyler Moen knew that before Saturday’s Angel Tree Ride.

They just didn’t calculate its power.

That calculation?

$17,500.

That’s how much money the first-ever Angel Tree Ride raised after expenses. The money will buy Christmas presents for a lot of kids.

“It was an amazing day; our group was very humble with everything,” Amanda Jones said in a message. “We had a goal of $10,000 and never imagined we would surpass that.”

The Ride, which sent motorcycles and side by sides off to some regional watering holes on a gorgeous day, then returning to downtown Webster City and C&C American Tap for the The Nathan Hanson Band and charity auctions, saw a mass of people who revved up their holiday spirit in August.

“I have wanted to have live music for a long time,” American Tap owner Wendy Clemens said. “What a perfect way to tie it in with the fundraiser. We had 265 that just came for the band and the weather was perfect.”

Mussman, perhaps better known locally as Okie, kept saying, “It’s for the kids, darn it.”

Jones said, “We all find ourselves saying this now.”

She added, “We cannot thank the community enough for all the support.”

And it’s beginning to look a lot like a Ride next year, she said.

“We have set a date for August 24, 2024, and look forward to another great event.”