Ride for Kids exceeds $98,000 in San Diego, Knoxville

From a press release issued by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation...

San Diego breaks records

Motorcyclists set a fundraising record this weekend in San Diego, bringing $64,493 to the fifth annual PBTF Ride for Kids.

A light mist fell as the 255 participants gathered at Mira Costa College in Cardiff. Eight local brain tumor patients were the “stars” of the day. Several of them accompanied the ride along the southern California coastline.

The weather was warm and sunny as the Celebration of Life program got underway. Fundraisers were inspired by the accomplishments of the stars, including Amanda, who recently graduated summa cum laude from UCLA. She thanked the riders for their contributions, and for helping her attend college with a PBTF scholarship.

In addition to family support, Ride for Kids funds medical research. Motorcyclists heard about the latest developments from pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Levy and pediatric neurologist Dr. John Crawford.

Ride for Kids fundraisers fuel these efforts. In San Diego, the top contributors were:

• Individual: Mike Wahlster, $16,244
• Chapter/Club: Starting Gate, $8,088
• Motorcycle Business: Bike Bandit, $16,244
• The new Honda motorcycle went to Peter Friedkin of Laguna Niguel, Calif.

Gary McGee, Rick and Patti Hinrichs, and Christian McCart led the hardworking volunteer task force that worked all year to organize the event. Planning has already begun on next year’s San Diego Ride for Kids®, taking place on Oct. 17, 2010.

Knoxville knocks it home

Riders enjoyed crisp fall weather at the ninth annual Knoxville Ride for Kids, which raised $33,713.

The day began at Chilhowee Park. Motorcyclists then followed a police escort over winding roads to beautiful Norris Dam.

Seven local brain tumor survivors were part of the Celebration of Life program at the end point. The crowd of 125 listened intently as young people like Hannah, 9, and Jimmy, 17, shared their stories.

Dr. Raymond Pais, an oncologist from East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, spoke about the critical need for childhood brain tumor research funding.

Top fundraisers in three categories were recognized:

• Individuals: Greg and Tracey Lawson, $10,049
• Chapter/Club: Hannah’s Army Angels, $15,949
• Motorcycle Business: Knoxville Honda, $17,714
• Tracey Lawson won the drawing for a new Honda motorcycle.

A big thank-you went to the ride’s local organizers, Tom and Kathy Peck, Greg and Tracey Lawson, and Geoffrey Greene. Mark your calendar now for the next Knoxville Ride for Kids on Oct. 17, 2010.

About the PBTF Ride for Kids®
The national Ride for Kids® program and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) promote childhood brain tumor research and provide family support through free literature about brain tumors, educational newsletters, online conferences and college scholarships. The next Ride for Kids® event is Oct. 25 in Lafayette, La. For more information, go to http://www.rideforkids.org/ or call 800-253-6530.