Minnesota motorcyclists gave generously at the Ride for Kids® in White Bear Lake on July 22, contributing more than $72,000 to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's medical research and family support programs.
It was overcast and breezy in White Bear Lake as the 400 motorcyclists and supporters gathered at East Century College for the 15th annual Minnesota event. A police escort led the riders through scenic Washington County before looping back to the college for the dramatic Celebration of Life program.
The program featured nine local brain tumor patients talking about hard-won victories over their disease. Whether hearing about 12-year-old Josh fishing for walleye or Lauren, 16, learning to drive, the crowd understood the difference their fundraising efforts have made in the lives of these children.
Dr. Joe Neglia, professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, attended the event on his Ducati motorcycle, earning a roar of approval from the crowd. "Through the research we are going to cure this horrible disease," he told them.
The Minnesota ride raised a total of $72,105. Bruce and Sandy Schafer of Eagan, Minn., were the top individual fundraisers with $6,900.09. The top club was MN Wings, Southern Chapter, with $10,809, and the customers of Moon Motor Sales made it the top motorcycle business with $21,780 in donations. The grand-prize Honda motorcycle went to Joseph Appelhof of Le Center, Minn.
Thanks went to Minnesota's all-volunteer task force and event volunteers, led by Tippy Frank and Denny Schouveller Sr., for organizing a great day for the kids.
