It was a gorgeous morning at North Point Mall in Alpharetta as more than 800 motorcyclists, fundraisers, patient families and volunteers gathered before the 24th annual Atlanta Ride for Kids®.
Excitement filled the air as the motorcyclists and their police escort left the parking lot with their VIP passengers, the local children they work so hard to help. Their scenic route traveled through rural Forsyth, Dawson and Lumpkin counties on the way to Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega for the Celebration of Life program.
The touching program featured interviews with 11 Ride for Kids® stars. Ranging from youngsters such as 8-year-old Maddie to "old timers" like Mandy, 23, the kids brought home the reality of brain tumors to the crowd.
"This is my fourteenth Ride for Kids," Mandy said. "I can't put into words what it means for all of you to do this for us--not because you have to, but because you want to." Her words were echoed by Fran, mother of recent college graduate Julia. "The rides have contributed not only to her survival, but also given her the drive to thrive in life," she said.
The group also heard from Dr. Roger Hudgins and Dr. Claire Mazewski of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. "Because of all of you, there are better and more specific treatments, giving the kids a brighter future," said Dr. Mazewski, a pediatric oncologist who is also known for her appearance in the PBS documentary "A Lion in the House." Another special guest was WSB-TV personality Jocelyn Dorsey.
The Atlanta event raised a total of $170,349. The top individual fundraisers were Connie and Tommy Smith of Canton, Ga., who brought $27,675. GWRRA GA Chapter R of Jasper was the top club with $32,825, and the top motorcycle dealer was Gary's Hobbie Shop of McDonough, Ga., with $27,024. The grand-prize winner of the new Honda motorcycle was Rose Sharbeno of Hornbeck, La.
Many thanks to the dedicated local task force members and hardworking event volunteers for making the Atlanta Ride for Kids® such a special occasion.
