New England Ride for Kids® tops $40,000 The rolling hills of central Massachusetts provided a beautiful backdrop for the 14th New England Ride for Kids®, which raised $37,627 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) yesterday. Additional funds came in after the ride, bringing the final total to $40,027. The 120 participants met at Tantasqua Regional High School in Fiskdale to support local brain tumor survivors Caitlyn, Ryen, Amanda and Gary. Several of these Ride for Kids® “stars” led the ride through the countryside, then came back to tell the riders about themselves. “Thanks for donating money for kids like me with brain tumors,” said 11-year-old Ryen before taking a few steps. Amanda’s mother, Joanne, said, “The common thread through all the events we have attended is the way strangers can be made to feel special. You do this for my child and it means the world to me.” The riders also heard from neuro-oncologist Nicole Ullrich of Children’s Hospital in Boston. The fundraisers with the highest totals were: Individuals: Dave Odess and Perry Robertson, $6,321 Club/Chapter: Members of GWRRA MA-F, $8,813 Motorcycle Business: Customers of Venco Wings, $18,851 Donated drawing prizes went to Dave Odess (Honda motorcycle); Ray Dewey (AGV helmet); David Rabinovitz (Dunlop tire); Bunny Kirchdorfer (Tourmaster luggage); and Joseph Seymour (Cardo Systems headset). Many thanks went to the volunteers who organized this year’s event, led by Shirley Dempsey-Anderson and Dave Odess. Ride with us next year on Sunday, Aug. 19. About the PBTF Ride for Kids® Ride for Kids® supports the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) by funding medical research and family support programs. We thank our presenting sponsor, Honda Riders Club of America, and our national insurance sponsor, GEICO. The next Ride for Kids® events are on Sunday, Aug. 28 in Asheville, N.C., and Ann Arbor, Mich. Learn more at www.rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.