More than 600 motorcyclists and supporters turned out for the 15th annual Hudson Valley Ride for Kids® on Aug. 5, which raised $118,020 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
Central Valley Elementary School was the start point for the ride, which went through scenic Harriman State Park and West Point. When the riders returned to the school, they were treated to an uplifting Celebration of Life program that featured five local brain tumor patients.
Several children shared their stories, including 5-year-old Ashley and PBTF scholarship recipient Geoffrey, 20. The crowd also heard from Dr. James Garvin, a pediatric oncologist at the Children's Hospital of New York.
Eric Schmidt of Bethel, Conn., took top fundraiser honors for the second year running. "One person can make a difference if you put your mind to it," he said of his $10,166 contribution.
The top club was Ride for Liam of Suffern, N.Y., with $28,453, and the customers of Haverstraw Motorsports of Haverstraw, N.Y., turned in $9,200 to make it the top motorcycle business. The grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle, was won by Mark Cullin of Port Jervis, N.Y.
Heartfelt thanks went to Hudson Valley's task force, led by Jack Jones and Linda and Walter Buchanan. Together with their hardworking volunteer task force, they organized a fantastic day for the kids.
