The 16th annual Asheville Ride for Kids®, held in the PBTF’s headquarters city, raised $115,822 on Aug. 30. Over 600 motorcyclists, brain tumor survivors, and supporters participated in the event.
Traveling with a police escort, the riders took the Blue Ridge Parkway on their way to Lake Lure for the main attraction, the Celebration of Life. This program honored the achievements of fundraisers and gave the crowd a chance to meet 11 Ride for Kids® “stars.”
These children included 21-month-old Elijah, who is scheduled for brain tumor surgery next month, and 9-year-old Hannah, who receives chemotherapy each Monday.
Three PBTF college scholarship recipients—graduates Julia and Matthew and freshman Seth—were also there to thank the fundraisers and inspire the younger children.
“Your contributions are making a difference all over the world to help us find safer treatments for these kids,” Dr. Gerald Grant, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Duke University Children’s Hospital, told the crowd. “I promise you that 24/7 there are people on our team looking for a cure for this disease.”
Special guests included Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy and Lake Lure Mayor Jim Proctor, both of whom issued proclamations honoring the PBTF. Miss Teen North Carolina International, Christina Roach, also spoke movingly about how her sister’s death from a brain tumor has motivated her to raise awareness about the disease.
The top fundraisers were:
- Individual: Anonymous, $25,000
- Chapter/Club: GWRRA NC-M2, $20,246
- Motorcycle Business: MR Motorcycle, $15,361
David Mills of Augusta, Ga., won the drawing for a new Honda motorcycle.
The Asheville Ride for Kids® task force worked hard all year to make this event a success. Special thanks went to Ruth and Grover Lewis for their volunteer leadership.
| Get a 2009 Ride for Kids® registration kit |
