The governor declared Aug. 5 Ride for Kids® Day in Wisconsin, and riders showed up in full force to support the cause. Spirits were high as more than 350 people gathered at Fireman's Park in Middleton for the fourth annual event to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
The motorcyclists and their police escorts enjoyed a 90-minute tour of the southern Wisconsin countryside before returning to the park for the moving Celebration of Life program. The stars of the day were 11 local brain tumor patients, ranging in age from 2-year-old Anderson to long-term survivor Joel, 22.
Debbie, mom of 5-year-old Devin, thanked the motorcyclists for their contributions. "Every day is a struggle and without everyone here we could not do the things we need to do," she said.
Guest speaker Dr. Mike Westphall of the University of Wisconsin rode his motorcycle in the event. Westphall, whose son has a brain tumor, said, "Government research grants become less and less, so private funding is essential."
The event raised a total of $84,231. The top individual fundraisers were Dennis & Gloria Resch of Antigo, Wis., with $7,341. GWRRA WI Chapter J was the top club/chapter with $11,181 in donations, and Pro Motor Sports of Wausau, Wis., was named top motorcycle business with $7,241. Merle Coggins of Waukesha, Wis., won the grand prize, a new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to the Wisconsin event's task force, led by Joe Bentz, Mike Witt, Merle Coggins, and Pam and Randy Gulseth. Along with their dedicated volunteers, they created an unforgettable day for kids with brain tumors.
