Children with brain tumors benefit from charity auction at motorcyle show
ASHEVILLE, NC, March 10 – The motorcycle industry put its money where its heart is over the President’s Day weekend, contributing more than $43,000 to a college scholarship fund for young brain tumor survivors.
Organized by Cycle World magazine and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF), the fifth annual Joseph C. Parkhurst Education Fund Auction attracted bidders from across the country and abroad as part of the three-day Advanstar International Powersports Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, Ind. Among the 90 one-of-a-kind items in this year’s auction were an original oil painting of World Champion Moto-GP racer Nicky Hayden, two Honda motorcycles, a sprocket from the world’s fastest motorcycle donated by Denis Manning and the helmet worn by Chris Carr, who rode it during the 350+ mph record-setting run last year.
It was also a record year for the auction, according to PBTF President Mike Traynor. "The success of this year’s event proves just how much the motorcycle industry really cares about children suffering from one of the most terrible diseases," he said. All auction proceeds support college scholarships for students battling brain tumors, many of whom would be otherwise unable to afford a post-secondary education due to the cost of medical treatment.
The Parkhurst Education Fund honors the memory of Cycle World founder Joe Parkhurst, who had a passion for the quest for knowledge. Through the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 184 brain tumor survivors have received scholarships since 2001.
Helping convince convention attendees to take part in the charity auction was Darla Thompson, a 19-year-old brain tumor survivor and recipient of a Parkhurst scholarship. "You people are my heroes. Without you, I would not be here," she told some 200 industry executives at a private dinner on Feb. 17.
Larry Little, publisher of Cycle World magazine, said the auction is the perfect way to keep Joe Parkhurst’s legacy alive. "Were Joe still with us, he’d be ecstatic at what’s been done in his memory," said Little. "I’m thrilled beyond words that we’ve raised awareness of the need to help these brave champions who have survived their bouts with brain tumors, and are now in need of our helping hand to continue their education."
Based in Asheville, N.C., the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is the largest source of non-governmental funding for pediatric brain tumor research and also offers family support programs. It has strong ties to the motorcycle community thanks to the Ride for Kids,® a series of charity motorcycle rides held in 37 cities across the country. Last year the rides generated more than $4.4 million for the Foundation.
