Asheville, N.C. – The national Ride for Kids® program has broken its all-time fundraising record for the 22nd consecutive year, raising $4.1 million to fund the medical research and family support programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF). This milestone was reached thanks to the generous spirit of thousands of motorcyclists who attended nationwide Ride for Kids® events in 2005, riding in support of kids battling brain tumors. “The support we have received from our fellow motorcyclists over the past 22 years has allowed us to bring vastly improved treatments to childhood brain tumor patients, to not only extend their lives but to greatly enhance their quality of life after treatment. Every man and woman who has ever ridden in a Ride for Kids event can be proud of the fact that they are the largest body of fund raisers in the nation helping pediatric brain tumor patients. We the motorcyclists stand tall for our long term achievements in fighting the most challenging of all the childhood cancers,” said PBTF President Mike Traynor. Each motorcyclist who attends a Ride for Kids® event brings a minimum donation of $35, but many riders bring a great deal more””both financially and emotionally. One such participant is Dave Odess of Randolph, Mass., who raised more than $6,000 in donations in 2005. “As a motorcyclist, the most meaningful miles that I put on my bike each year are those that I ride for charitable causes,” he said. “Nothing compares to knowing that my efforts, combined with the efforts of thousands of motorcyclists across the country, are helping in the fight against pediatric brain tumors.” Motorcycle riding clubs and dealers are also vital to the Ride for Kids® program, vigorously promoting their local events and organizing participants. The top chapter/club award for 2005 went to GWRRA Illinois G2 of Woodland, Ill., whose members raised $98,976. And again this year, the customers of Nielsen Enterprises of Lake Villa, Ill., made it the top dealer in the country, contributing $109,939 to the Chicagoland Ride for Kids®. The top individual fundraisers in 2005 were Scott and Mary Jo White of Phoenix, Ariz., who raised $85,000 in memory of their daughter Nikki, who died of a brain tumor. The dedication shown by the Whites and other fundraisers is deeply appreciated by other families. “This was the first year our family participated in the Ride for Kids, and our family was touched by the volunteers, riders and staff that are so committed to finding a cure for pediatric brain tumors,” said Lisa Moore, mother of 7-year-old Luke of LaPorte, Ind. “We want to thank everyone that participates in these events for doing their best so that Luke and others like him, have a chance at a long life.” The Ride for Kids® program is grateful for the ongoing support of its presenting sponsor since 1991, the Honda Rider’s Club of America. “Because of Honda’s longtime support of our work for the kids we have also enjoyed strong support from the Honda dealer network which has helped us reach thousands of riders across America,” said Mike Traynor. No matter what brand or type of motorcycle you ride, you’re welcome to join the Ride for Kids®. In 2006, events will take place in 37 cities, including new rides in San Francisco, Calif., and Albuquerque, N.M. The complete 2006 schedule is available at www.rideforkids.org. About the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation funds medical research grants to help find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors. The largest source of non-governmental funding for pediatric brain tumor research in the world, the PBTF also offers support programs for families with a child who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Programs include free literature about brain tumors, two national newsletters, the Informed Parent and Survivor Internet Conference series, and college scholarships for brain tumor survivors. For more information about the PBTF, please call (800) 253-6530 or go to www.pbtfus.org.