The eighth annual Pittsburgh Ride for Kids® raised $52,131 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's medical research and family support programs.
The event drew 260 motorcyclists and other participants, including four local brain tumor survivors. These "stars" and their police escort led the ride from Cranberry Township to Slippery Rock University, following winding hillside roads that offered views of Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park.
A rousing Celebration of Life program at the end point honored the stars, including Eliot, 8, Macy, 10, and Cinnamon, 17. "Research is the key," said Lindy, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor 18 years ago.
Dr. Glenn Gobbel, professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, agreed. "We all hope that what we do today, will make a great impact for tomorrow," he told the fundraisers.
Other VIP guests included KDKA-TV weather anchor Jon Burnett, who said, "We all could be doing other things, but none are better than this."
The top individual fundraisers were Steve Kovac and Laura Ebbert of Allison Park, Penn., who raised $5,000. GWRRA PA-D members raised $13,499 to put their chapter on top. N&R Trike Shop of Belle Vernon, Penn., was top motorcycle business with $9,570 in customer donations. The grand prize, a new Honda motorcycle, went to Herb Springer of Perryopolis, Penn.
Credit for a great event went to Pittsburgh's task force leaders, Laura Ebbert, Steve Kovac, Linda Eaves and Gordon Snyder, their hardworking volunteer task force and day-of-event volunteers.
