The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Ride for Kids® program raised $4.4 million in 2009. The funds came from contributions at Ride for Kids® events nationwide, corporate and local sponsorships, and donated goods and services. “Motorcyclists are known for digging deep when it comes to helping kids, and they worked harder than ever to raise funds last year,” said Kyle Clack, national director of the Ride for Kids® program. “We’re confident that their dedication and hard work will pay off for the kids again in 2010.” Ride for Kids® added three events in 2009, and continues to expand in 2010 with a new ride in Tulsa, Okla. (See full event schedule at: www.pbtfus.org/rideforkids/calendar/2010.) Top fundraisers for 2009 Some familiar names again led the fundraising pack in 2009. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) salutes these hardworking contributors: * The customers of Nielsen Enterprises, a Honda dealer in Lake Villa, Ill., have consistently helped the dealership take the top motorcycle business spot for several years. They gave $126,857 to the PBTF at the 2009 Chicagoland Ride for Kids®. * The nation’s leading fundraising motorcycle club or chapter is also from the Chicagoland area. Wings Over the Prairie organized a gala silent auction that brought in $70,136 in donations. * Bob Henig of Jessup, Md., owner of Bob’s BMW, ran a second successful Ultimate Bike Raffle to benefit the PBTF. He personally raised $59,012 for the Baltimore-Washington Ride for Kids®. Strong industry commitment Our partners in the motorcycle industry help us make a huge difference in the lives of children with brain tumors. We gratefully acknowledge the support of our presenting sponsor since 1991, the Honda Riders Club of America, and its parent, the American Honda Motor Company. We are also grateful to our national sponsors, the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows, AGV Helmets and Dunlop Tires, for the support they provide throughout the year. These fine companies will be joined by new sponsor Tourmaster Luggage in 2010. Thanks also go to the many motorcycle dealers, media outlets and after-market companies who help us connect with the motorcycling public. Motorcyclists fuel research, family support Ride for Kids® proceeds benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The PBTF has funded more than 50 research institutions around the world, including our PBTF Institutes at Duke University, the University of California San Francisco, and the Hospital for Sick Children in Canada. Motorcyclists also help the PBTF provide emotional, educational and financial support to families affected by brain tumors. We have given 633 college scholarships since 2002, and our literature is available at no charge to families and medical professionals worldwide. 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. Motorcyclists have helped the PBTF become the world’s largest non-governmental source of funding for childhood brain tumor research. All makes and brands of motorcycles are welcome at the Ride for Kids®. Events will take place in 40 cities in 2010, including South Florida on Feb. 14. More information is available at www.rideforkids.org.