The 16th annual Hudson Valley Ride for Kids® on Sunday, Aug. 3, was a big win for kids with brain tumors. The event raised $144,915, a 23 percent increase over last year's announced total.
More than 650 participants turned out at Central Valley Elementary School on a sunny, breezy morning. The scenic ride took the motorcyclists and their police escort through the foothills of the Catskill Mountains before returning to the school for the Celebration of Life program.
The program honored eight local brain tumor survivors, including 4-year-old Robert, who enthusiastically thanked the crowd, and Devon, 5, who is starting kindergarten this fall.
Dr. James Garvin, a pediatric oncologist at the Children's Hospital of New York, told the fundraisers that their efforts make a huge difference in these kids' lives.
Patricia Kimball of Rivervale, N.J., mother of 6-year-old survivor Molly, raised $22,235 to be the top individual fundraiser. "Our life is different now, but we celebrate it every day," she said.
Ride for Liam of Suffern, N.Y., raised $20,665 to take top club/chapter honors, while the customers of Bergen County (N.J.) Harley-Davidson contributed $6,600 to make it the top motorcycle business. James Boonstra of Buchanan, N.Y. won the grand prize drawing for a Honda motorcycle.
Heartfelt thanks went to the ride's dedicated task force and event volunteers, led by Jack Jones and Walter and Linda Buchanan.
