HUDSON VALLEY, WISCONSIN RIDE FOR KIDS® RAISE $202,000 Motorcyclists in New York and Wisconsin rode together on Sunday, Aug. 5, to raise more than $202,000 for childhood brain tumor research at local Ride for Kids® events. All proceeds benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Hudson Valley contributes $118,000 More than 600 motorcycists and supporters turned out for the 15th annual Hudson Valley Ride for Kids®, raising $118,020. Central Valley Elementary School was the start point for the ride, which went through scenic Herriman Park and West Point. When the riders returned to the school, they were treated to an uplifting Celebration of Life program that featured five local brain tumor patients. Several children shared their stories, including 5-year-old Ashley and PBTF scholarship recipient Geoffrey, 20. The crowd also heard from Dr. James Garvin, a pediatric oncologist at the Children’s Hospital of New York. Eric Schmidt of Bethel, Conn., took top fundraiser honors for the second year running. “One person can make a difference if you put your mind to it,” he said of his $10,166 contribution. The top club was Ride for Liam of Suffern, N.Y., with $27,578, and the customers of Haverstraw Motorsports of Haverstraw, N.Y., turned in $9,200 to make it the top motorcycle business. The grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle, was won by Mark Cullin of Port Jervis, N.Y. Heartfelt thanks went to Hudson Valley’s task force, led by Jack Jones and Linda and Walter Buchanan. Together with their hardworking volunteer task force, they organized a fantastic day for the kids. Wisconsin riders give $84,000 The governor declared Aug. 5 Ride for Kids® Day in Wisconsin, and motorcyclists showed up in full force to support the cause. Spirits were high as more than 350 people gathered at Fireman’s Park in Middleton for the fourth annual event. The motorcyclists and their police escorts enjoyed a 90-minute tour of the southern Wisconsin countryside before returning to the park for the moving Celebration of Life program. The stars of the day were 11 local brain tumor patients, ranging in age from 2-year-old Anderson to long-term survivor Joel, 22. Debbie, mom of 5-year-old Devan, thanked the motorcyclists for their contributions. “Every day is a struggle and without everyone here we could not do the things we need to do,” she said. Guest speaker Dr. Mike Westphall of the University of Wisconsin rode his motorcycle in the event. Westphall, whose son has a brain tumor, said, “Government research grants become less and less, so private funding is essential.” The event raised a total of $84,231. The top individual fundraisers were Dennis & Gloria Resch of Antigo, Wis., with $7,341. GWRRA WI Chapter J was the top club/chapter with $11,181 in donations, and Pro Motor Sports of Wausau, Wis., was named top motorcycle business with $7,241. Merle Coggins of Waukesha, Wis., won the grand prize, a new Honda motorcycle. Special thanks went to the Wisconsin event’s task force, led by Joe Bentz, Mike Witt, Merle Coggins, and Pam and Randy Gulseth. Along with their dedicated volunteers, they created an unforgettable day for kids with brain tumors. 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® event is on Sunday, Aug. 12 in Pittsburgh. For more information, go to rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.