The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's Ride for Kids® program kicked off its 25th year of hope in South Florida on Jan. 13. Generous motorcyclists at the event, the 350th to date, raised more than $81,000 to help kids with brain tumors fight their disease.
Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach hosted 550 riders, fundraisers, volunteers and patient families on a warm, sunny Florida morning. The police-escorted ride toured rural areas of western Broward County before returning to the park for the uplifting Celebration of Life program.
The stars of the day were the seven brain tumor patients who shared their stories with the riders. From 4-year-old Shawn to PBTF college scholarship recipient Nicole, 18, these brave young people gave their supporters a chance to see the difference fundraising makes.
"There are children here today who would not be alive without your gracious support," said Dr. Anne Schaefer, a pediatric oncologist at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood. She was joined at the event by Dr. Iftikhar Hanif, head of the hospital's pediatric oncology unit.
The 4th annual event raised a total of $81,170. Two couples tied for the top individual fundraiser spot. Rick and Rita Case of Hillsboro Beach and James and Rebecca McDonnell of Weston each brought $5,200.
Members of Gold Coast Honda Rider's Club turned in $18,500 to take top chapter/club honors, while the customers of Rick Case Honda brought $24,985 to make it the top motorcycle business.
Linda Kralik of Lake Worth won the grand prize, a new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to South Florida's hardworking task force, led by Rhonda and Dave Friedenberg, Greg Mathes, Linda Kralik and visitation leader Monica Tobin. Together with a great group of event volunteers, they organized a terrific day for brain tumor patients and motorcylists alike.
| Get a 2008 Ride for Kids® registration kit |
