The 25th season of Ride for Kids® went back to where it all began yesterday, raising more than $192,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in Atlanta, Ga.
Hundreds of riders and their police escort encountered severe weather along the route, but were not deterred from reaching the end point in Dahlonegha.
They were there to celebrate the lives of 12 local brain tumor survivors, including 5-year-old Ascher and Lauren, 20, a PBTF scholarship recipient. "Last year I couldn't do this," said Jessica, 18, as she walked across the stage to roaring applause.
Jessica's progress is due in large part to the efforts of Ride for Kids® fundraisers. As Dr. Claire Mazewski of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite noted, "New techniques, surgeries and therapies are being supported by your funds."
Several local television and radio personalities were in attendance, including Jocelyn Dorsey of WSB-TV, CBS-46 news anchor Bill Gaines, and the host of "Saturday Morning Garage Party" on 102.5 WAMJ Radio, Mitch Faulkner.
The Atlanta event raised a total of $192,142. The event's top individual fundraisers were Tommy and Connie Smith of Holly Springs, who turned in $22,758. GWRRA GA-R's members raised $40,605 to be the top fundraising club/chapter. The top motorcycle business was Ken's Motorcycle Tires of Woodstock, whose customers donated $41,103.
A huge thank-you went to the local task force, led by Tommy Smith, Bob Johnston, and Mike and Sue Malone. Together with their hardworking volunteers, they made the 25th Atlanta Ride for Kids® a truly meaningful anniversary.
