The Tampa Bay area raised $48,452 yesterday for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) at the end of the 2010 ride season. It was cold and windy as the ride left the Walter Heinrich Training Center in Lithia with six local brain tumor survivors in the lead. The bikes meandered through beautiful citrus groves and ranch lands before returning to hear from Corey, Michael, Andriana, Chiara, Adrian and Trinity during the Celebration of Life program. Michael, 21, started painting after his diagnosis. “My art is a talent I was given because I have a brain tumor,” he said. He sold two paintings while at the event and donated some of his proceeds back to the PBTF. Those proceeds fund lifesaving research, said Dr. Stacie Stapelton, director of pediatric neuro-oncology at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. “I see firsthand what happens with your money and the benefits to the kids,” she told the crowd of 300. “I appreciate you every day.” Tampa Bay’s top fundraisers were: * Individuals: Bobby and Valerie Poneleit, $3,375 * Club/Chapter: Hap’s Gulf Coast Riders, $17,085 * Motorcycle Business: Hap’s Cycle Sales, $23,840 The event was organized by a great group of local volunteers, headed by Hayden and Anne Cameron, Jim and Rebecca Iverson, and Norm and Margaret Van Dame. Thanks also to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department for providing the site and the escort bikes. Make plans now to attend the next Tampa Bay Area Ride for Kids®, returning to the Heinrich Training Center in Lithia on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. About the PBTF Ride for Kids® The national Ride for Kids® program and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) promote childhood brain tumor research and provide family support through free literature about brain tumors, educational newsletters, online conferences and college scholarships. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Honda Riders Club of America, and our national insurance sponsor, GEICO. The 2011 Ride for Kids® season begins on April 3 in Deerfield Beach, Fla. For more information, go to ~http://www.rideforkids.org/~ or call 800-253-6530.