Motorcyclists at the sixth annual Indiana Ride for Kids® raised a phenomenal $101,968 in South Bend yesterday, nearly doubling the results of last year's event to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
The crowd of 450 supporters gathered at Pinhook Park on a beautiful riding day, with blue skies and a light breeze. Eleven local brain tumor survivors led the way with a police escort, touring the lush meadows and farmland of northern Indiana.
Back at Pinhook Park for the Celebration of Life program, the crowd heard from survivors of all ages, including Carrie, 4, and Joshua, 12.
"As a brain tumor survivor I understand the importance of your donations to everyone who is affected by this terrible disease," said Lyn Stevens, a nurse practitioner with St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Michigan City, Ind.
The event's top fundraiser was E.J. Ford of LaPorte, Ind., who brought $13,153 in donations and also won the grand prize, a new Honda motorcycle.
The Horizon Riders of Illinois were top club/chapter with $25,510, followed by ABATE IN Region 2 with $20,034. Calumet Harley Davidson/Buell's customers raised $37,695 to make it the top dealer for the second consecutive year.
Many thanks to the amazing volunteer task force members who made the Indiana Ride for Kids® such a success. Led by Bobby and Claudette Newman, E.J. and Georgia Ford, and Fred Johnson, this dedicated group gave the kids the gift of hope.
