The festive atmosphere at the Los Angeles Ride for Kids® on May 6 mirrored the beauty of the day on the campus of American Honda Motor Co. The 16th annual event attracted more than 675 motorcyclists, fundraisers, patient families and volunteers and raised more than $216,000.
The thrilling ride hugged the Pacific coast through Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes Point and Rancho Palos Verdes. Many of the motorcyclists were accompanied by local brain tumor survivors, whose courage serves to inspire us all. Sixteen of those youngsters shared their stories during the Celebration of Life program after the Ride. The crowd heard from them all, including 7-year-old Alec and Michelle, 23, the first Cycle World/PBTF scholarship recipient to graduate from college.
They also heard from Chris Hoefflin, a PBTF board member who lost a son to a brain tumor. "It does my heart good to see a tent full of RFK friends," he said. "For us parents, you bring so much to this party: hope, love and friendship. Families down the road will know that brain tumors are treatable." Dr. Jonathan Finlay, who treats many Ride stars at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, agreed as he thanked the crowd for their efforts.
The total raised in Los Angeles was $216,375, thanks in large part to the efforts of several top fundraisers. The Weiner Family brought in $27,186 to lead the individual category, while members of GWRRA CA Chapter 1R contributed $22,230 to make it the event's top chapter. The top motorcycle business was JBJ Cycles with $21,495. George Hoppe of Whittier won the grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks for a great day went to the local Ride for Kids® task force members, led by Brian Tinkler, Jeniffer McMullen and Steven Squire, visitation leader Louis Vanderveen, and the hardworking event volunteers.
If you were unable to attend, send your donations to PBTF, 302 Ridgefield Ct., Asheville, NC 28806 to receive your premiums by mail.
