Even in the pouring down rain, hope remained alive at the Richmond Ride for Kids®, which attracted more than 170 supporters and raised over $84,000 for the PBTF's medical research and family support programs.
The hearty crowd gathered at Brook Hollow Shopping Center in Glen Allen before the motorcyclists and their police escort left for the Richmond Times-Dispatch facility in Mechanicsville. The rains grew heavy along the lovely countryside route, but that didn't quench the joy of the Ride for Kids® stars.
Seven local brain tumor survivors were honored at the Celebration of Life program after the ride, including three PBTF scholarship recipients--Allie, Bailey and Tiffany.
Two doctors from Virginia Commonwealth University--radiation oncologist Ted Chung and neurosurgeon William Broaddus--were also on hand to thank the motorcyclists for their fundraising efforts. "Being involved in research ourselves, we know how very important the support of the PBTF is," said Dr. Broaddus.
Sunday, June 3 was also proclaimed Virginia Ride for Kids® Day by the governor's office, represented by Bob Crouch.
The total raised in Richmond was $84,431. Mike and Travis Phillips of Richmond were the top individual fundraisers with $23,554. The top chapter/club was Star Touring & Riding #208 with $32,795, while the customers of Burcham’s Cycles of Colonial Heights, Va., turned in $32,469 to make it the top motorcycle business. Keith Lindgren of Chesapeake, Va., won the grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle.
Many thanks to local task force leaders Kerry Abrams and Mike Seibert, visitation leaders Dan Solomon and Linda Carr, the hardworking task force members, and the event volunteers for making the 2007 Richmond Ride for Kids® one to remember.
