The Knoxville Ride for Kids®, part of the Honda Hoot, raised $55,986 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation on June 21.
More than 225 motorcyclists and supporters came out for the eighth annual event, which started at Chilhowee Park in ideal riding weather. The police-escorted ride toured the scenic back roads of east Tennessee, treating participants to a spectacular view of Douglas Dam.
The Celebration of Life program at the end point honored six local brain tumor patients. These "stars" included 11-year-old Tristin and PBTF scholarship recipient Kristen, 22, who raised $5,474 for the event.
Dr. Ray Pais, director of pediatric hematology/oncology at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, told the fundraisers that their efforts make a difference. "As a clinician, I benefit from the funding that is done by the foundation because I can get questions answered by some of the best minds in the world," he said.
The top individual fundraisers were Doug and Lori Stanphill of Antioch, Tenn., who brought $6,000 in donations to the ride. Cool Springs Honda Rider’s Club of Franklin, Tenn., was the top chapter/club with $6,000, while the customers of Sloan’s Honda of Murfreesboro, Tenn., turned in $9,760 to make it the top motorcycle business.
Geoffrey Greene of Knoxville won the grand prize, a new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to Knoxville’s hardworking task force, led by Dave and Nancy Miller and Geoffrey Greene. With the help of their team of event volunteers, they made the 2008 Knoxville Ride for Kids® one to remember.
| Get a 2008 Ride for Kids® registration kit |
