The inaugural Northeast Florida Ride for Kids® took place yesterday in Jacksonville. More than 75 motorcyclists and supporters combined to raise $14,301 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
Florida Community College hosted the event on a warm spring morning. The ride, which was led by a police escort and three local brain tumor survivors, toured the Duval County countryside of northwest Jacksonville before returning to the college for the moving Celebration of Life.
The program honored the accomplishments of young people such as Hailey, 17, who was a born with a brain tumor and is unable to hear or speak. She was joined on stage by adult survivor Tammi and Stefan, 18.
"Because of pediatric brain tumor research, Stefan is now a senior in high school," his father, Randy, told the group.
The event also recognized the top fundraisers in three categories:
- Individual: Terry Lavergne, The Villages, Fla., $1,504
- Chapter/club: GWRRA FL-1V, $2,366
- Motorcycle business: Honda of Jacksonville, $3,251
Chris Thacker of Jacksonville won the drawing for a new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to the local volunteers and task force members, led by Ed and Karla Gresham, Bill Darnell and the visitation team of Chris Thacker and David and OnaLee Howell.
| Get a 2009 Ride for Kids® registration kit |
