Riders in Coral Springs, Fla., started the 2010 Ride for Kids® season by raising $67,440 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) at the sixth annual South Florida event. Over 500 motorcyclists and other supporters gathered at the Sportsplex on a cold morning that turned warm and sunny. Deputies from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office escorted the ride through the Parkland area before returning for the Celebration of Life. Six brain tumor survivors shared their stories with the crowd: Taurin, 3; Jonathan and Shawn, both 6; Brianna, 7; Christine, 15; and Nicholas, 17. High school senior Nicholas, who was recently accepted to Florida Gulf Coast University, said that he has applied for a PBTF college scholarship. Dr. Anne Schaefer, a pediatric oncologist at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, told the fundraisers that their efforts fuel research that is saving children’s lives. The top fundraisers were: * Individual: Rick Case, $10,000 * Club/chapter: South Florida Riders Club, $16,650 * Motorcycle business: Star Cycles, $20,666 Winners of the drawing prizes from Ride for Kids® sponsors were: Debra Law (Honda motorcycle); Jud Rose (Dunlop tire); Vito Borzumato (AGV helmet); Steve Sotoloff (Toumaster luggage); and Barbara Weiss (Cardo Systems headset). Special thanks went to the local volunteers and task force members, led by Rhonda and David Friedenberg, Yuergen Boehmke, Cesar Tejera and Linda Kralik. 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. The 2010 Ride for Kids® season continues in Jacksonville, Fla., and San Bernardino, Calif., on April 18. For more information, go to http://www.rideforkids.org/ or call 800-253-6530.