The day was hot, but so was the support in Cleveland, Ohio, as more than 350 motorcyclists and supporters gathered for the area's fourth annual Ride for Kids®. Together they raised more than $51,000 for the PBTF, a 19 percent increase over last year's announced total.
The police-escorted ride left Rocky River High School for the streams and lush green countryside of the Cleveland Metroparks. A joyous Celebration of Life program followed at Woodridge Middle School in Peninsula.
There the riders and fundraisers honored the six "stars" of the day, including 10-year-olds Josh and Taylor and Emily, 3.
The crowd also heard from Dr. Tanya Tekautz and Dr. Gregory Plautz of the Cleveland Clinic Hospitals. "Seventy percent of kids survive and lead a long life thanks to your efforts," said Dr. Tekautz. "More research is needed to understand and treat this disease."
The event raised a total of $51,347. The top individual fundraisers were Rich and Jennifer Silva of Cleveland, who brought $6,655. GWRRA OH-C3 was the top chapter/club with $13,562 raised, while $6,992 in customer donations made Sills Motors Sales of Cleveland the top motorcycle business. Tim Beck of Columbia Station, Ohio, won the grand-prize Honda motorcycle.
Cleveland's task force is led by Dave and Ruth Ostoich and Frank Strack. Together with their event volunteers, this dedicated group gave the kids a day to remember.
| Get a 2008 Ride for Kids® registration kit |
