Ride for Kids® wrapped up the 2009 season yesterday with an event in Sarasota that raised $53,087 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. It was warm and sunny as 350 riders and other supporters turned out at Sarasota County Technical Institute. The police escorted ride headed east from the city of Sarasota, then traveled through Myakka State Park. When the riders returned, the Celebration of Life got underway. Eight local brain tumor survivors, including 9-year-old Chiara and PBTF college scholarship recipient Corey, were on hand to tell the crowd about their lives. William spoke movingly of his 3-year-old son Adrian’s illness. “It is a miracle what these children have gone through with the help of you and other complete strangers,” he said. Dr. Stacie Stapelton, director of pediatric neuro-oncology at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, told the riders that every dollar raised makes a difference. The top fundraisers were: * Individuals: Dale and Darlene North, $3,317 * Chapter/Club: Hap’s Gulf Coast Riders, $20,609 * Motorcycle Business: Hap’s Cycle Sales, $35,109 Rick Buck of Land O’Lakes, Fla., won the drawing for a new Honda motorcycle. Many thanks to the volunteers who organized the Sarasota Ride for Kids®, especially task force leaders Greg and Marie Lough and Richard Deal. Mark your calendar now for next year’s ride, taking place on Nov. 7, 2010. 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 kicks off in South Florida on Feb. 14. For more information, go to ~http://www.rideforkids.org/~ or call 800-253-6530.