Bob Young and Matt Gardner have lived on the same block in Mt. Laurel for over 15 years.
But it wasn’t until about three years ago the two got the chance to really get to know one another.
Young is president of Geese Chasers, a professional geese-clearing service that uses trained Border Collies to rid geese from commercial, residential, municipal and private properties throughout the state.
Young also owns two custom- built choppers built by Orange County Choppers and V Force Customs.
His choppers have been made famous by the Discovery Channel series “American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior.”
When he had the choppers made, Young said he was optimistic he could show them off at various charity events throughout the region in the hopes of helping to raise money for a good cause.
A few years ago, Gardner, 25, found out his neighbor was having a chopper built by Orange County Choppers. Gardner admits he is a huge fan of the show, so he decided to see what Young was up to.
“Matt lives for that show, he doesn’t miss an episode,” Young said.
Young, who knew about Gardner’s active involvement with the Special Needs Program at Samost Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Southern New Jersey based in Cherry Hill, realized he might be able to provide aid to the programs Gardner is involved in.
Young and Gardner collaborated with JFCS to host “American Chopper Rides” into Cherry Hill, which will take place on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Katz JCC, 1301 Springdale Road.
Guests will be able to view Young’s Boomer-1 Chopper, named after Geese Chasers first Border Collie, Boomer, along with the Feather Free Zone Chopper. Also on display will be the US Biker Law’s 10th Anniversary Memorial Chopper.
“American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior” personality Vinnie DiMartino will also be on hand to meet and greet visitors.
Sandy Gardner, Matt’s mother, said her son is excited to see the choppers on display, especially since he took part in the creative process for Young’s second chopper.
“The second time, Bob made him much more active,” she said. “Bob has really gone above and beyond to do things for him and make him feel successful.”
Gardner even had the chance to go to Orange County Choppers with Young, which was documented on the Sept. 12 episode of the show, which will also be screened at the event.
“He took me to OCC. We sat down with the guys and we told them what we wanted on our bike,” Garnder said. “Paul Sr. liked me and I got filmed for the show.”
Gardner said he had the opportunity to put the fuel tank on the Young’s second chopper.
Young also gives Gardner a good deal of responsibility when it comes to being around the bikes, including cleaning and polishing the choppers and attending trade show and charity events together.
“We give Matt certain roles to make him feel a part of it and to make him feel he is just one of the guys,” Young said.
Gardner confidently says that he and Young make a great traveling team.
“He couldn’t do it without me,” Gardner said.
For Gardner, he’s had the opportunity to develop a friendship, get up close and personal with the choppers and meet the cast of his favorite show.
But for Young, traveling to different charity events in the area is made all the more special when he’s got Gardner at his side.
“Matt’s done so much for me in teaching me life lessons. He’s a really great person and deserves the best in life,” Young said.
So far, JFCS has sold more than 100 tickets to the event. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $30, and include food, drinks and photo opportunities.
Money raised benefits JFCS’ special needs programming, including POPS, a social recreation and day program and SAIL, Supports to Achieve Independent Living.
Through these programs, Gardner said, he plays soccer, baseball and basketball. He’s also taken a trip to Israel through the program.
In his spare time, Gardner volunteers with the Mt. Laurel Fire Department, cleaning the trucks, going out on drills with staff firefighters and sharing a meal at the station.
He’s been a part of the department’s family for more than half his life, his mother said.
Gardner is also the oldest of three siblings, who Sandy Gardner said, are incredibly involved in his life. Gardner’s mother said she is thankful for all of the positive people in her son’s life.
“Matt has a knack for meeting interesting people. He’s quite articulate for a person who has difficulties articulating his thoughts. To know him is to love him,” Sandy Gardner said. “Bob is really a special person to reach out and include him.”
For more information about the event, call 424–1333 or visit www.jfcssnj.org/calendar/americanchopper.
