Ride for Kids® events in California and Louisiana combined over the weekend to bring in more than $110,000 to help cure kids with brain tumors. Thanks to generous motorcyclists in San Diego and Lafayette, the two Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) events were a rousing success. Sun shines bright in San Diego The 350 motorcyclists and supporters gathered at Mira Costa College in Cardiff-by-the-Sea raised more than $61,000 for the PBTF. Santa Ana winds created a strong breeze, but the ride was far clear of area wildfires. Incredible vistas of the coastline and mountains made the police-escorted ride truly enjoyable, but the best was yet to come. After the ride looped back to the college, eight local brain tumor patients provided the day’s inspiration. From 3-year-old Evan to grad student Michelle, these Ride for Kids® “stars” gave the crowd something to cheer about. There were also birthday cheers for Jocilyn, who recently turned 6. “I’m happy because I am with somebody in my heart,” she said. “Thank you for doing this. It means a lot to me.” The motorcyclists also heard from Dr. Eduardo Serna, a local emergency room physician who rode in the event. “As a doctor, you always want an informed patient as they have a much better survival rate,” he said. “PBTF gives patients the knowledge they need to be informed.” The third annual San Diego event raised $61,530. Top individual fundraiser Cliff Philip of Temecula brought $10,536, while top club/chapter honors went to GWRRA CA Chapter 1N with $17,220. Escondido Cycle Center’s customers contributed $22,193 to make it the top motorcycle business, and Peter Friedkin of Laguna Niguel won the grand prize Honda. Many thanks to the event’s task force volunteers, led by Gary Magee and visitation leader Edel Albright, for organizing a terrific day for the kids. Louisiana smashes event records Louisiana’s fifth annual Ride for Kids® was a great success, raising nearly $49,000 for the PBTF and breaking previous fundraising records for the event. The 225 motorcyclists and supporters gathered at SLEMCO Headquarters in Lafayette on a gorgeous fall morning that felt more like spring. The police-escorted ride toured the scenic backroads and bayous of Lafayette Parish before looping back to SLEMCO for the Celebration of Life program. Three Ride for Kids “stars” were on hand to pump up the crowd. Cameron, 10, Kaitlyn, 12, and college student Brook, showed the riders what a difference their donations make. Said Kaitlyn’s mom, Nicole, “I’m a stronger person because of what Kaitlyn has gone through. I’m grateful for people like you who understand.” The event raised a total of $48,960. Todd and Gail Murphy of New Caney, Texas, turned in $5,300 to take the top individual fundraiser spot. With $12,797 raised, GWRRA LA Chapter B was the top club/chapter. The generous customers of Southside Honda made it the top motorcycle business with $19,610 in donations. The grand prize Honda went to Deborah Ledet of Montegut, La. Thanks to the event’s local task force and volunteers, led by Bullet and Nancy McGee, Dewey and Mary Ann Burke, and visitation leaders Charlie and Anita Porche. This dedicated team created an unforgettable day for the kids. 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 Sunday, Nov. 4 in Sarasota, Fla. For more information, go to rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.