Heat, humidity and thunderstorms didn't deter hundreds of motorcyclists from gathering in southern Wisconsin to champion children with brain tumors on Aug. 6. The third annual Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) Ride for Kids® in Middleton raised more than $49,000 for medical research and family support programs.
The event attracted 250 participants, who left Middleton High School on a police-escorted tour of rolling hills, lakes and farmland, ending at the base of the ski slopes at the Devil's Head Resort in Merrimac.
Seven local brain tumor survivors were honored during the Celebration of Life program. From 4-year-old Kelly to 21-year-old PBTF scholarship recipient Joel, their stories inspired the group. Shirley, mother of Anthony, 10, said, "Without your fundraising, there is no way they can go one step farther with research to find a cure."
The local medical community was represented by Univ. of Wisconsin medical researcher Dr. Mike Westphall, whose son has a brain tumor. "Government research grants become less and less, so private funding is essential," he told the crowd.
The total raised in Madison was $49,260. The top individual fundraisers were Pam and Randy Gulseth of Two Rivers, Wis., who raised $5,705. The top club was GWRRA WI Chapter J, whose members brought $8,017. The customers of George Vetesnik Power Sports Superstore raised $5,740 to make it the top motorcycle business. Merle Coggins of Waukesha, Wis., won the grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to Madison's task force leaders Joe Bentz and Mike Witt, visitation leader Merle Coggins, the dedicated task force members and day-of-event volunteers, for conducting such a great event.
