Ann Arbor, Mich., hosted its 18th annual Ride for Kids® on Sunday, Aug. 23. Riders at this combination road ride and dual sport event raised $55,866 for the PBTF.
The crowd of 250 gathered at Washtenaw Community College on a rainy morning. Dual sport riders had the early start through the woodlands along the Huron River, followed by the road riders.
The post-ride Celebration of Life honored 10 brain tumor survivors from the local community. Two of them, Ruth and Matthew, are PBTF college scholarship recipients. The fundraisers heard from these students as well as younger children, including 3-year-old Andrew.
His mother, Michelle, spoke movingly about her family's brain tumor journey. "You are giving us the hope and support we need to put one more foot forward one more time," she said. "To make each moment count. To count each day as a blessing, so as to live, to have fun, to be with our children one more day. Because of you, I have had these days with my child."
The event's top fundraisers were:
- Individuals: Rob, Denni and Katie Proctor, $8,330
- Club/Chapter: GWRRA MI-W2, $12,527
- Motorcycle Business: C+C Sports, $11,596
The grand-prize Honda motorcycle went to Bob Livingston of Saranac, Mich. The successful ride was made possible by a hardworking team of volunteers, led by George and Claudia Ellison, Ralph and Jean Hunt, and Kevin and Mo Robinson.
Read about the 2008 ride
| Get a 2009 Ride for Kids® registration kit |
