More than 1,400 supporters at the 20th annual Chicagoland Ride for Kids® raised $387,026 on a hot, sunny day in Elgin, Ill.
The police-escorted ride through the rural countryside northwest of Chicago crossed the Fox River before looping back to Elgin Community College for the moving Celebration of Life program.
Fifteen Ride for Kids® stars were honored at the country's largest Ride for Kids® event, including 3-year-old Teagan and Jacob, 10.
Many of the young people shared their inspirational stories with the fundraisers. PBTF scholarship recipient Melanie, 18, said, "Because of every one of you we are able to be here today."
The crowd also heard from Dr. Jason Fangusaro of Children's Memorial Hospital.
The top individual fundraisers were Stacia and Steve Skinner of Mt. Prospect, Ill., who brought $31,647 in donations. Wings Over the Prairie of Woodstock, Ill., donated $61,961 to be named top club/chapter. The customers of Nielsen Enterprises of Lake Villa, Ill., made it the top dealer once again with $109,950 in donations.
The grand prize Honda motorcycle went to April Moffa of Palatine, Ill.
Congratulations and thanks go to Chicagoland's hardworking task force and event volunteers, led by Vito Racanelli, Sandy Berens, Carol Sevrey, Bob Wagner and visitation leader Rick Montgomery. Their dedication made the event a huge success.
