The Aug. 19 ride in North Oxford, Mass., attracted 260 motorcyclists and supporters as well as three local brain tumor patients. These "stars" led the ride through the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains before looping back for the Celebration of Life program.
Unique to Ride for Kids® events, the Celebration of Life allows fundraisers to hear directly from the children their efforts help. In New England, they heard the inspiring stories of Ryen, 7, Caitlin, 17, and Gary, 19, a PBTF scholarship recipient.
Neuro-oncologist Dr. Nicole Ullrich of Children's Hospital in Boston also told the crowd how important it is to fund research into childhood brain tumors.
The 10th annual New England Ride for Kids® raised $54,052. Top fundraiser Dave Odess, who along with Perry Robertson contributed $7,335, said, "I do this to help kids like Ryen. The kids like this keep me motivated." Odess also won the drawing for the grand prize Honda motorcycle.
The top fundraising club was GWRRA RI Chapter B of Lincoln, R.I. with $14,676. Customers of Venco Wings of Loudon, N.H., brought $12,204 to make it the top motorcycle business.
Special thanks went to the local New England Ride for Kids® task force, led by Shirley and Wayne Anderson, Cheryl and Ron Hrasna, and Dave Odess. Together with their hardworking volunteers, they made it an unforgettable day for the kids.
