ATLANTA, RICHMOND RIDE FOR KIDS® EVENTS RAISE $254,000 TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD BRAIN TUMORS Bighearted motorcyclists in Atlanta, Ga., and Richmond, Va., teamed up at Ride for Kids® events on June 3 to raise more than $254,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s medical research and family support programs. Ride for Kids® star Matthew, 11, and his VIP escort at the Atlanta event. It was a gorgeous morning at North Point Mall in Alpharetta as more than 800 riders, fundraisers, patient families and volunteers gathered before the 24th annual event. Excitement filled the air when the motorcyclists and their police escort left the parking lot with their VIP passengers, the local children they work so hard to help. Their scenic route traveled through rural Forsyth, Dawson and Lumpkin counties on the way to Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega for the Celebration of Life program. The moving program featured interviews with 11 Ride for Kids® stars. Ranging from youngsters such as 8-year-old Maddie to “old timers” like Mandy, 18, the kids brought home the reality of brain tumors to the crowd. “This is my fourteenth Ride for Kids,” Mandy said. “I can’t put into words what it means for all of you to do this for us–not because you have to, but because you want to.” Her words were echoed by Fran, mother of recent college graduate Julia. “The rides have contributed not only to her survival, but also given her the drive to thrive in life,” she said. The group also heard from Dr. Roger Hudgins and Dr. Claire Mazewski of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “Because of all of you, there are better and more specific treatments, giving the kids a brighter future,” said Dr. Mazewski, a pediatric oncologist who is also known for her appearance in the PBS documentary “A Lion in the House.” Another special guest was WSB-TV personality Jocelyn Dorsey. The Atlanta event raised a total of $170,349. The top individual fundraisers were Connie and Tommy Smith of Canton, Ga., who brought $27,675. GWRRA GA Chapter R of Jasper was the top club with $32,825, and the top motorcycle dealer was Gary’s Hobbie Shop of McDonough, Ga., with $27,024. The grand-prize winner of the new Honda motorcycle was Rose Sharbeno of Hornbeck, La. Many thanks to the dedicated local task force members and hardworking event volunteers for making the Atlanta Ride for Kids® such a special occasion. Rain doesn’t dampen Richmond’s spirits Even in the pouring down rain, hope remained alive at the fifth annual Richmond Ride for Kids®, which attracted more than 170 supporters and raised over $84,000 for the PBTF. The hearty crowd gathered at Brook Hollow Shopping Center in Glen Allen before the motorcyclists and their police escort left for the Richmond Times-Dispatch facility in Mechanicsville. As rains grew heavier along the lovely countryside route, the ride was cut short, but that didn’t quench the joy of the Ride for Kids® stars. Seven local brain tumor survivors were honored at the Celebration of Life program after the ride, including three PBTF scholarship recipients, Allie, Bailey and Tiffany. Two doctors from Virginia Commonwealth University–radiation oncologist Ted Chung and neurosurgeon William Broaddus–were also on hand to thank the motorcyclists for their fundraising efforts. “Being involved in research ourselves, we know how very important the support of the PBTF is,” said Dr. Broaddus. Sunday, June 3 was also proclaimed Virginia Ride for Kids® Day by the governor’s office, represented by Bob Crouch. The total raised in Richmond was $84,431. Mike and Travis Phillips of Richmond were the top individual fundraisers with $23,554. The top chapter/club was Star Touring & Riding #208 with $32,795, while the customers of Burcham’s Cycles of Colonial Heights, Va., turned in $32,469 to make it the top motorcycle business. Keith Lindgren of Chesapeake, Va., won the grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle. The Richmond event owes its success to the hard work and dedication of local task force leaders Kerry Abrams and Mike Seibert, visitation leaders Dan Solomon and Linda Carr, task force members and event volunteers. 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® events are Sunday, June 10 in Cleveland, Ohio, Golden, Colo., and San Bernardino, Calif. For more information, go to rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.