The fourth annual Philadelphia Ride for Kids® continued its record-setting pace, beating last year's total by 7 percent with an impressive $169,470.
It was a gorgeous, sunny morning as 535 supporters gathered at the IMAX Theater at King of Prussia Mall. The riders and their police escort enjoyed a beautiful route past George Washington’s encampment in Valley Forge National Monument, along the Brandywine River, as they traveled to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square.
There the Celebration of Life program featured the stories of eight Ride for Kids "stars." These young brain tumor survivors included John, 13, and Emily, 11, who sang "Time for Me to Fly" by the Jonas Brothers.
Dr. Jay Storm, a pediatric neurosurgeon and researcher from Children’s Hospital, said, "You give more than money, you give hope, and with hope there is nothing that can’t be overcome."
Neil and Jill Bookman of Jenkintown, Penn., who lost their son, Tyler, to a brain tumor in 2007, were the top individual fundraisers with $61,420. Their club, Team Tyler, powered by American Collectors Insurance of Cherry Hill, N.J., was the top club/chapter with $64,355 in contributions. The top motorcycle business was Ken Carr Cycle Center of Norristown, Penn., whose customers raised $16,474. The new Honda motorcycle was won by Steve and Deneen Falk of Phoenixville, Penn.
Special thanks went to the event's dedicated volunteers and task force members, led by Lee and Mitzi Krauss, Joel Samick, and Rex and Lisa Alfes.
