Not content with breaking fundraising records for a first-time Ride for Kids event, motorcyclists in the City of Brotherly Love outdid themselves again this year by setting a record for a second-year ride. Together they raised $106,000 on Sept. 17 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's (PBTF) medical research and family support programs.
The day's festivities began as 500 fundraisers gathered under clear skies at the King of Prussia mall. From there the police-escorted ride took beautiful winding roads past George Washington's encampment at the Valley Forge National Monument, along the Brandywine River through rural villages west of Philadelphia, finally ending at Longwood Gardens.
At the moving Celebration of Life program, eight local brain tumor survivors shared their stories. Thanking the crowd for their fundraising efforts, Lauren's mom, Marianne, said, "We cling to hope, and hope lies in research."
The top individual fundraisers were Neil and Tyler Bookman of Jenkintown, Penn., who brought $19,123. The top club was Team America Collectors of Cherry Hill, N.J., whose members raised $20,053, and the customers of Ken Carr Cycle Center of Norristown, Penn., turned in $6,625 to make it the top motorcycle business. David Green of West Grove, Penn., won the grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle.
Extra-special thanks to Philadelphia task force leaders Mitzi and Lee Krauss and Joel Samick, visitation leaders Lisa and Rex Alfes, the hardworking volunteer task force and event volunteers, for hosting a record-breaking ride.
