Participants in the 10th annual Utica Ride for Kids® gave generously on Sunday, July 15, contributing nearly $115,000 to find a cure for childhood brain tumors. Together with riders in Chicago on the same morning, they made it a record-setting day in Ride for Kids® history, with more than half a million dollars raised for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
The cool, rainy weather didn't deter more than 550 supporters from gathering at the Volunteer Fire Department in Deerfield, N.Y. Along the way to Old Forge Pavilion in the Town of Webb, N.Y., the police-escorted ride traveled winding, wooded roads through the foothills of the Adirondacks.
The Celebration of Life program at the end point showcased nine local brain tumor patients. These Ride for Kids® stars included Hunter, 7, and 15-year-old Joshua, who personally raised $5,600 for the event.
Gary Hadfield, 21, went to college with the help of a PBTF scholarship. "Thanks to everybody here," he said. "It's great to see all the new faces, and I hope you're here next year with your friends."
The Utica ride raised a total of $114,696. Peter and Jill Weidman of Queensbury, N.Y., were the top individual fundraisers with $14,019. The top club was GWRRA NY Chapter N with $15,854, and the customers of Harley-Davidson of Utica made it the top motorcycle business with $17,579 in donations. The grand-prize Honda motorcycle went to Tom and Judy Wood of Philadelphia, N.Y.
Heartfelt thanks went to Utica's all-volunteer task force and event volunteers, led by Kathy and Ken Sweatman, Karen and Steve Clary, and visitation leaders Juanita and Charlie Piaquadio. Together they organized a fantastic day for the kids.
