More than 650 motorcyclists and supporters turned out for Ride for Kids® events in California and Texas on Oct. 7. Together they raised over $234,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s (PBTF) medical research and family support programs. Sacramento riders top $119,000 A cool morning breeze greeted participants in the 15th annual Sacramento Ride for Kids in Woodland. The police-escorted ride toured the scenic farmland of northern California’s “Gold Country” before returning to the Yolo County Fairgrounds for the Celebration of Life program. Sixteen local brain tumor patients, including 2-year-old Reiana and Craig, 21, shared their inspiring stories. The crowd also heard from two pediatric physicians from Sutter Neuroscience Medical Group, neurosurgeon Sam Ciricillo and neuro-oncologist Nora Wu. “We’re very close to amazing treatments and cures for pediatric brain tumors because of your very generous donations,” Dr. Ciricillo said. The Sacramento event raised a total of $119,577, including $18,000 from top individual fundraisers Ann and Kirk Harry of El Dorado Hills, Calif. GWRRA CA Chapter C of Sacramento was the top club/chapter with $44,017 raised, and the top motorcycle business was Hillside Honda of Lakeport, Calif. The grand prize Honda motorcycle went to Jack Cushman of Manteca, Calif. Special thanks went to the local Ride for Kids® task force, led by Lillian and Jack Cushman and Kathy and Jon Carlson, and visitation leaders Trish and Tom Bales and Steve Long. Together with their hardworking volunteers, they gave the kids a day to remember. Dallas/Fort Worth raises $114,000 The weather also cooperated in Grapevine, Texas, host to the fifth annual Dallas/Fort Worth Ride for Kids®. The crowd of 330 motorcyclists and fundraisers gathered at Grapevine Mills under sunny skies, which continued as the ride left with a police escort. Just outside the city, busy highways gave way to winding country roads, and the riders enjoyed a leisurely tour of several small towns. Back at Grapevine Mills, the crowd heard from seven Ride for Kids® stars during the powerful Celebration of Life program. From 4-year-old Cassie to Carson, 15, these local brain tumor patients brought the cause home to the fundraisers. Said Rachel, 24, a PBTF college scholarship recipient, “I would not be here without you.” Also in attendance was Claire Campanaro from Sabre Holdings/Travelocity.com, who presented a check for $42,572, the proceeds of a charity golf tournament held last week. The Dallas/Fort Worth event raised a total of $114,690. Top individual fundraisers were Julie and Gary Touchstone of Colleyville, who brought $7,523. With $15,574 in donations, DFW Valkyrie Cruisers was the top club/chapter, and Bargers All Sports of Waco was the top motorcycle business with $14,995 raised. Julie Touchstone won the grand prize Honda motorcycle. Heartfelt thanks went to the local Ride for Kids® task force leaders, J.R. and Hazel Nance, Jeff Latimer, Gary and Julie Touchstone, and visitation leader Evelyn Daniel. They and their dedicated volunteers put together a terrific event. About the PBTF Ride for Kids® Since 1984, the national Ride for Kids® program and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) have promoted childhood brain tumor research and provided family support through free literature about brain tumors, educational newsletters, online conferences and college scholarships. With the help of America’s motorcycling community, the PBTF has become the world’s largest non-governmental source of funding for childhood brain tumor research. The next PBTF Ride for Kids® event is Sunday, Oct. 14 in Phoenix. For more information, go to rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.