After the ride, the real fun began under a big-top tent back at the stadium. Eight local brain tumor survivors, including 7-year-old Tanner and Bryce, 14, shared their inspirational stories with crowd. "I come back every year to remind you that there are survivors," said adult survivor Steve.
Special guests included Dr. Michael Etzl of Phoenix Children's Hospital, Gold Wing Road Riders Association executive director Melissa Nordeoff, Wing World editor Nick Hoppner, and Glendale councilman Phil Leiberman.
The total raised in Phoenix was $169,204. Top individual fundraisers were Mary Jo and Scott White, who brought $94,000 in memory of their daughter Nikki, who died of a brain tumor. The foundation they started, Nikki's Hope, was the top chapter/club with $94,305 in donations. Western Honda of Scottsdale was the top motorcycle business with $94,542 in customer contributions. Mary Jo White won the grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle.
Very special thanks went to local task force leaders Edie and Dave Hewitt and Clark Roushey, visitation leader Warren Owen, the dedicated volunteer task force members and event volunteers, for hosting an outstanding event.
