The fifth annual Philadelphia Ride for Kids® attracted over 500 participants and $121,725 in donations on a sunny Sunday.
The riders gathered at the IMAX theatre at King of Prussia Mall before following a police escort on a scenic route to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square.
At the end point, 12 local brain tumor survivors told the fundraisers about their lives. These Ride for Kids® “stars” included small children such as Althea and Angelina, both 6, as well as PBTF college scholarship recipients Annie, Jason and Laura.
Two 12-year-old survivors said they were thankful for the emotional support the ride offers. “The amount you give goes far, and you give [more than] money,” said Emily. Added Pearce, “Thank you very much for taking the time out to make us feel so special.”
The children were joined on stage by Dr. Leslie Sutton, chief of neuro-oncology at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital, who also rode in the event.
The first-place fundraisers were:
- Individuals: Neil and Jill Bookman, $35,701
- Chapter/Club: Team Tyler, powered by American Collectors Insurance, $37,161
- Motorcycle Business: Planet Honda, $21,379
Neil Bookman won the Honda motorcycle drawing.
The Philadelphia Ride for Kids® task force and volunteers, led by Lee and Mitzi Krauss, Joel Samick, and Rex and Lisa Alfes, deserve thanks for all their hard work.
Read about the 2008 ride
| Get a 2009 Ride for Kids® registration kit |
