The Ride for Kids® rolled back into town on June 14 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where more than 160 motorcyclists and supporters raised $20,478 to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
The police-escorted ride traveled through metropolitan Indianapolis on its way to the lush green forests of Eagle Creek Park. When the motorcyclists returned to the Speedway, they attended an uplifting Celebration of Life program that honored four local brain tumor survivors.
The crowd heard from Blake, 10, and Hannah, 11, as well as PBTF college scholarship recipients Juliana and Conor.
Juliana's mother, Marilyn, described her feelings this way: "While I was on the ride and the police were stopping traffic, I was thinking the world stops for these kids today. Thanks to all of you."
Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol, a neurosurgeon with the Indianapolis Neurosurgical Group, told the motorcyclists that PBTF-funded research is leading to "wonderful advancements."
The first-place fundraisers were:
- Top Individuals (tie): David and Kathy Bierman, $5,100 and Thomas and Audrey Langer, $5,100
- Top Club/Chapter: Horizon Riders, $11,350
- Top Motorcycle Business: Dreyer Honda, $11,985
The winner of the Honda motorcycle drawing was Sam Mason of Jasper, Ind.
Thanks went to local task force leaders Dale Taylor, Pat Phillips and Stephen Kirkendoll and their event volunteers for a successful ride.
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