On a warm, sunny day in the mountains of western North Carolina, more than 600 motorcyclists and supporters gathered for the Asheville Ride for Kids®. Together they raised more than $95,000 for childhood brain tumor research.
The riders left from Asheville's Biltmore Square Mall, following their police escort along the Blue Ridge Parkway. As they pulled into the picturesque township of Lake Lure, it was time for a light lunch and the uplifting Celebration of Life program.
The stars of the day were 13 young brain tumor patients and three adult survivors. From 7-year-old Abbie to PBTF scholarship recipient Matthew, 20, the kids had a wonderful time. "It's not just about the fundraising," Hannah, 16, told the crowd gathered for the Celebration of Life program. "You're raising awareness of this disease."
Dr. Darell Bigner, head of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Institute at Duke University, spoke passionately about the importance of private research funding. "We have more research tools now than in the entire history of cancer research,” he said, thanking the motorcyclists for making that possible.
The Asheville event raised $95,272. The top individual fundraisers were Barbara and Ed Apelian of Charlotte, N.C., with $6,730. Members of GWRRA Chapter M2 of Hendersonville, N.C., turned in $12,932 to make it the top club, and the top dealer was MR Motorcycle of Asheville with $8,235. Denise Mathers of Hendersonville won the grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to the event volunteers and hardworking local task force, led by Peter Hartwick and visitation leader Pat Whitaker. Together they organized a memorable and rewarding day for the kids.
