The 17th annual Michigan Ride for Kids® netted $69,065, a 21 percent increase over last year's results.
Washtenaw Community College played host to more than 300 motorcyclists and supporters for a dual sport event and road ride on a warm, breezy day in Ann Arbor. Both sets of riders were treated to rolling routes along the banks of the Huron River, through forest and farmlands, before returning to the college for the Celebration of Life program.
Eleven young brain tumor survivors, including 2-year-old Andrew and three PBTF college scholarship recipients, shared their experiences with the group.
Ruth, a Ride for Kids® "star" for 17 years, proudly showed off her framed bachelor's degree. "I want to show you what you have done for me. Without your help, this would not be possible," she said.
The top individual fundraiser was Joseph Modafferi of New City, N.Y., who brought $10,231 to the ride. His club, Hudson Valley HOG, and dealer, Prestige Harley-Davidson of Hudson Valley, were also tops with $10,281 each in contributions. Joe Tomazak of Fenton, Mich., won the drawing for a new Honda motorcycle.
The dedicated event volunteers and task force got credit for a job well done. Special thanks to the task force leaders, Claudia and George Ellison, and visitation leaders Kevin and Mo Robinson.
