The first Ride for Kids® event in 1984 raised $4,000 for childhood brain tumor research. Twenty-eight years and 500 events later, motorcyclists have contributed well over $50 million toward the cause. Yesterday’s ride in Ellicott City, Md., added another $197,015 in donations to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF).
Young people like Maggie, Ruxandra, Janell, Nicholas, Paige, and Zachary are the reason we ride. As the stars of the 20th Baltimore-Washington Ride for Kids®, they led a leisurely 50-mile tour past beautiful homes, farmland and woods.
Back at Turf Valley Resort for the Celebration of Life program, the 450 participants heard from the brain tumor survivors, a star’s parent, and a researcher from Johns Hopkins.
“Because of research funding from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, we have developed targeted therapy which goes after only the cancer cells and does much less damage,” said Dr. Nishant Agrawal.
Maryland State Senator Jim Robey presented a proclamation and a senate resolution, and Ginnie Gick offered a proclamation on behalf of Howard County.
Ride for Kids® supports medical research and family support programs with the help of countless fundraisers. At this event, the leaders were:
- Individuals: Bob and Suzanne Henig, $36,186
- Motorcycle club/chapter: The Tribe Motorcycle Club, $20,511
- Motorcycle business: Bob’s BMW, $83,137
Donated Ride for Kids® drawing prizes went to Bob Henig (Honda motorcycle); Greg Balestrero (AGV helmet and Cardo Systems headset); James Hendershot (Dunlop tire); and Cathy Peifer (Tourmaster luggage).
Many thanks went to the dedicated volunteers who worked year-round on this event, including task force leaders Taryn Wilson-Wheatley, Joe Pruss and Marcy Rich. Mark your calendar now for next year’s ride on Sunday, Sept. 23.
Plan a fundraiser:Each state requires PBTF to approve your fundraiser, so contact us early in your planning process. The first step is to complete our fundraising application.
