A total of $83,177 was raised at the 15th annual Asheville event, which drew a crowd of 560 riders and supporters to Biltmore Square Mall. Early morning clouds gave way to clear skies as the police-escorted riders toured the Blue Ridge Parkway on their way to Lake Lure.
There nine brain tumor survivors were the stars of the Celebration of Life program. Younger children such as 7-year-old Sara and Charlie, 12, were joined by three PBTF college scholarship recipients.
Dr. Duane Mitchell of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Institute at Duke University told the fundraisers that their hard work is critical. "You are not just making a difference, you are the difference," he said.
Ed and Barbara Apelian of Charlotte, N.C., were the top individual fundraisers again this year, with $7,455 in donations. The top club/chapter and top motorcycle business slots also went to last year's winners, GWRRA NC-M2 of Hendersonville, N.C., with $9,118 and MR Motorcycle of Asheville with $10,460. Steve Reynolds of Camden, S.C., won the grand prize, a new Honda motorcycle.
A big thank-you went to the hardworking members of the local task force, led by Peter Hartwick. Along with a great crew of event volunteers, they gave the kids a day to remember.
