Philadelphia, Tulsa rides raise more than $106,000 for PBTF Young brain tumor survivors in Philadelphia and Tulsa had a blast at their local Ride for Kids events, which raised $106,363 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation on Sept. 16. Philadelphia riders make a difference Cool, sunny weather greeted riders at the Philadelphia Ride for Kids, which raised $89,939 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The event at Valley Forge Christian College in Phoenixville honored young brain tumor survivors such as Emily, John, Danielle, Jared, Stacie, Laura and Althea. Many of these “stars” participated in the suburban ride and spoke afterward. “It’s amazing to see how far we have come with research thanks to people like you,” Danielle, 16, told the crowd of 250. That progress is made possible by motorcyclists, and Dr. Jane Minturn of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia praised their efforts. “We’re able to find new drugs and new therapies with the collaboration of all the doctors,” she said. “That is due directly from your funds and dedication.” The top fundraisers in Philadelphia were: Individual: Jill Bookman, $30,275 Motorcycle club/chapter: GWRRA PA-A, $7,946 Motorcycle business: Powersports East $20,453 Special organization: Team Tyler, powered by American Collectors Insurance, $43,850 Honda donated a new CBR250R that went to drawing winner Dom Pizzo. Other prizes were won by Loren Steiner (AGV helmet); Hope Christman (Dunlop tire); Brian and Darlene Meyers (Tourmaster luggage); and William White (Cardo Scala Rider). Many thanks to the hardworking volunteer task force in Philadelphia, led by Steve and Deneen Falk, Joel Samick, Lynn Nathan, and Gordon Smith. Mark your calendars now for the 2013 event on Sunday, Sept. 15. Ride for Kids is on Tulsa time Oklahoma hosted its third Ride for Kids event in Tulsa to support the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The event raised $16,424 and honored brain tumor survivors Hilary, April, Vincent, Trenton, Samantha, Xitlalie and Noah. Many of these Ride for Kids “stars” led the scenic ride from the Tulsa Health Department through the outskirts of the city. Afterward, the 125 participants heard from many of the survivors, as well as Dr. Wendy Borland of St. Francis Hospital. “It really takes a village and you all help us get further with the research that is desperately needed,” she said. Oklahoma’s No. 1 fundraisers were: Individual: Katy Kraus, $5,075 Motorcycle club/chapter: GWRRA OK-E, $5,075 Motorcycle business: Honda of Tulsa, $2,990 Special organization: In Honor of Hillary Moffett, $5,075 Kraus won the drawing for a new Honda CBR250R. Other drawing prizes went to Cliff Smith (AGV helmet); Jerry Hodges (Dunlop tire); Mike Ewing (Tourmaster gift certificate); and Frank Thurston (Cardo Scala Rider). Wavy Davy from 103 FM was on hand to fire up the crowd. The local task force, led by Dave and Katy Kraus and Randall Graham, received support from many volunteers as well as Ride for Kids task force leaders from Texas, Indiana and Colorado. Next year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 15. About the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Ride for Kids Ride for Kids supports the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF), the world’s largest non-governmental source of funding for childhood brain tumor research. Proceeds also fund family support programs, including college scholarships for brain tumor survivors. We thank our presenting sponsor, Honda Riders Club of America, and our national insurance sponsor, GEICO. The next Ride for Kids event is on Sunday, Sept. 23 in Baltimore/Washington, D.C. Learn more at www.rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.