Motorcyclists at the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's third annual Albuquerque Ride for Kids® raised more than $87,000 to help find a cure for kids with brain tumors on April 20, 2008.
Sunny Journal Pavilion was the meeting place for 475 riders, fundraisers, volunteers and patient families. The police-escorted ride toured the Land of Enchantment's multi-colored deserts and mountains before returning to the Pavilion for the Celebration of Life program.
Stars of the day
Eight local kids were the Ride for Kids® "stars" for the event. From 5-year-old Anastacia to adult survivor Megan, they shared their inspiring stories with the fundraisers.
Brandt, father of 9-year-old Merckx, expressed his family's gratitude. "Because of all of you being here today, my son is alive," he told the crowd. "We thank each and every one of you."
The medical community was represented by Dale Dietz, a social worker at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.
Top fundraisers
The event raised a total of $87,710. The top individual fundraisers were Debby and Dennis Forsythe of Farmington, N.M., who brought $14,004.
On a bet, Debby had her head shaved the night before the event and donated her hair to "Locks for Love," an organization that supplies wigs for cancer patients.
Members of GWRRA NM-W turned in $29,253 to take top chapter/club honors, while the customers of Accessory Pit of Albuquerque brought $50,089 to make it the top motorcycle business.
Ted Bates of Albuquerque won the grand prize, a new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to Albuquerque's strong local task force, led by Rick and Lynda Howell, Ted and Kathy Bates, and visitation leader Jackie Cooke. Along with their event volunteers, they organized an unforgettable day for the kids.
