Los Angeles, Middle Tennessee Ride for Kids® events top $335,000 for PBTF
May 16, 2011
Riders in southern California and central Tennessee combined to raise $335,036
for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) on May 15.
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Los Angeles star Grayson waves from his sidecar. |
Celebrating
20 years in Los Angeles
American Honda signed on as the presenting sponsor of the Pediatric
Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) Ride for Kids® 20 years ago. Los Angeles
motorcyclists marked the anniversary by raising $227,315 for the PBTF.
It was cool and rainy at Honda’s Torrance headquarters as the crowd of
600 supporters gathered, but the riders weren’t deterred. They hugged the
Pacific coastline for miles before returning to honor 13 local brain tumor
survivors.
Dylan, Yverline, Grayson, Amanda, Hannah, Lisa, Bayleigh, Michelle,
Marisa, Stephanie, Elise, Ethan and Tia shared their perspective on life with a
brain tumor. Stephanie was diagnosed at 11. Now 19 and legally blind, she said,
“You gain more than you lose. You gain a family through support of
motorcyclists.”
Dr. Anat Epstein, a researcher who also treats pediatric brain tumor
patients at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, told the fundraisers that their
efforts are resulting in new therapies.
The leading fundraisers were:
- Individuals: Bill
and Dianna Boyer, $22,900
- Club/Chapter:
Scotty's Riders, $51,278
- Motorcycle
Business: Long Beach BMW, $25,882
Several lucky attendees won drawing prizes from Ride for Kids® sponsors:
Jorge Estrada (Honda motorcycle); Rodrigo Urena (Dunlop tire); Ruth Gilliland (AGV
helmet); Michael Davis (Tourmaster gift certificate); and Jason King (Cardo
Scala Rider headset).
Hardworking volunteers led by Brian Tinkler, Mike York, Louis
Vanderveen, Jeniffer McMullen and Steve Squire made the Los Angeles Ride for
Kids® a great success.
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Jessica (left) is all smiles at the Middle Tennessee event. |
Making a
difference in Middle Tennessee
The third Middle Tennessee Ride for Kids® posted a big win on May 15,
with $107,721 raised for
the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF).
Over 200 participants were there to support brain tumor survivors Jessica, Makenzie
and Jack. These stars led the ride from Jim Warren Park in Franklin, traveling
through the countryside and the Natchez Trace.
When they returned for lunch, the riders heard from the kids, their
parents, and Dr. Adam Esbenshade, a pediatric neuro-oncologist at Vanderbilt
University Medical Center.
“Because of research, we have made many improvements in the use of
targeted chemo and radiation doing much less damage than was done years ago,”
Dr. Esbenshade said. “Things like this are only possible because of people like
you raising much needed money to fund research.”
The event recognized the leading fundraisers in three categories:
- Individuals: Diane
and David Hutcheson, $7,677
- Club/Chapter: Team
Hardee’s $53,567
- Motorcycle
Business: Sloan's Motorcycle, $29,817
Area Hardee’s Restaurants participated in a five-week fundraising
campaign and many of their employees volunteered and rode in the event.
Ride for Kids® sponsors provided drawing prizes that went to: Tere
Kangas (Honda motorcycle); Catheryn Henning (Dunlop tire); Jesse Stafford (AGV
helmet); Frank Wall (Tourmaster gift certificate); and Terry Price (Cardo Scala
Rider headset).
A multitude of volunteers worked tirelessly to organize the Middle
Tennessee Ride for Kids®. This team was led by Otis and Tina Bishop, Diane and
David Hutcheson, Jerry and Sharon Hamilton, and Anita and Jack Wheeler.
Ride for Kids®
302 Ridgefield Ct.
Asheville, NC 28806
828-665-6891
800-253-6530
828-665-6894 (fax)
e-mail: info@rideforkids.org
website: rideforkids.org
All materials of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® and Ride for Kids® contained herein or elsewhere are copyrighted ©.
