Riders in northern Indiana enjoyed blue skies and a light breeze as
they gathered at South Bend’s Pinhook Park on July 10. The crowd of 350
raised $69,555 to support brain tumor survivors like Hanna, Lucas,
Lindy, Libby, Jennifer, Corey, Jon, Karyn and Daniel.
Many of
these Ride for Kids® “stars” joined the ride through rural farmland and
later shared their stories during the Celebration of Life program.
Participants also heard from Cathy Reese, a nurse practitioner with
Memorial Children’s Hospital, and from the mother of a 6-year-old brain
tumor patient.
“Carrie could not be here today because she is
home from the hospital and on a ventilator,” Katrina told them. “She
wasn’t supposed to make it this long, but because of all of your
support, she is a fighter and she is hanging in there. When I told her I
was coming here today, she smiled.”
Other special guests
included Lyn Coleman representing Mayor Luecke’s office, radio
personality Cody Austin from B100, Miss Indiana 2011 Jackie Jerlecki,
Miss South Bend 2011 Leanna Ross, and Miss Hoosier Heartland 2011
Rachael Bazzell.
The event’s top fundraisers were:
• Individuals: E.J. & Georgia Ford, $15,186
• Club/Chapter: ABATE Region #2, $20,352
• Motorcycle Business: B&E Honda, $15,996
Drawing prizes went to Robert Speybroeck (Honda motorcycle), Greg
Koliboski (Dunlop tire), Bill Glover (AGV helmet), Amy Barrett (Cardo
Systems headset) and Wolfgang Gless (Tourmaster luggage).
Bobby
Newman, E.J. and Georgia Ford, and John Zepik led this year’s volunteer
task force. Next year’s ride is scheduled for Sunday, July 8, 2012, in
South Bend.
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.
