It was a cool fall day in Woodland, Calif., as 435 motorcyclists and fundraisers gathered at Yolo County Fairgrounds for the 14th annual Sacramento Ride for Kids.®
A police escort led the motorcycles on a 90-minute ride through the scenic terrain of northern California's "Gold Country" before returning to the fairgrounds for the powerful Celebration of Life program.
Seventeen Ride for Kids® "stars" were present, ranging in age from 6-year-olds Dominic and Hunter to Craig, 20.
Thanking the crowd for their support, Duncan, the father of 8-year-old brain tumor survivor Malcolm, said, "We the parents of these children are not heroes, we have no choice, we do what we have to do. You don't have to be here today. You are the heroes."
Many of the children on stage were patients of the two doctors present, pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Samuel Ciricillo and pediatric neuro-oncologist Dr. Nora Wu, both of the Sutter Neuroscience Medical Group.
Pointing out that PBTF funding makes a difference, Wu said, "New molecular technology allows us to see different tumors, grow them and conduct test therapies."
The event raised a total of $144,533. Including sponsorships and funds that came in after the ride, the total rose to $147,471.
The top individual fundraisers were Ann and Kirk Harry of El Dorato Hills, Calif., with $30,000. The top chapter/club was GWRRA CA Chapter C of Sacramento, whose members brought $43,484, while the customers of Malott's Honda Yamaha of Manteca turned in $41,735 to make it the top motorcycle business.
Phyllis Horner of Shingletown, Calif., won the grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to Sacramento’s 2006 task force leaders, Lillian and Jack Cushman, visitation leaders Trish and Tom Bales, the hardworking volunteer task force, and event volunteers for hosting such a successful event.
