The third weekend in July is traditionally one of the largest of the Ride for Kids® season, with events in Illinois, New York and Minnesota. Yesterday’s rides did not disappoint, combining to raise $410,956 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF). One thousand strong in Chicagoland More than 1,000 motorcyclists and supporters converged on Elgin Community College for the area’s 22nd Ride for Kids®, bringing $253,165 for the PBTF. Temperatures reached 90 degrees as the riders toured the countryside northwest of Chicago. They were joined by 16 young brain tumor survivors, many of whom spoke during the post-ride program. PBTF college scholarship recipients Kylie and Melanie, along with younger children such as Rosie, 5, and Joshua, 15, reminded the crowd that every dollar they raise is important. As Dr. Jason Fangusaro of Children’s Memorial Hospital said, “What all of you do here today helps all of these families on their very difficult journey.” The leading fundraisers were: * Individuals: Stacia and Steve Skinner, $37,560 * Club/Chapter: Wings Over the Prairie, $37,752 * Motorcycle Business: Nielsen Enterprises, $73,973 The Chicagoland Ride for Kids® is organized by a stellar group of volunteers, led this year by Vito Racanelli, Carol Sevrey, Rick Montgomery, Jeff Pedersen and Bob Wagner. Lucky number 13 in Utica The Utica Ride for Kids® set another record this year, raising $109,826. The city’s 13th event brought in 8 percent more than the previous year’s ride for the PBTF. Beautiful riding weather attracted over 500 people to the start point at the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department. Motorcyclists enjoyed a scenic ride through the forests of the Adirondack foothills on their way to Old Forge Pavilion in the Town of Webb. Nine brain tumor survivors and their families shared their stories during the Celebration of Life program. Cassandra, 13, said she has been to nine rides and “wouldn’t miss it for the world.” The Utica ride was escorted by several law enforcement agencies, including the N.Y. State Police. Trooper Dave Olney spoke for his colleagues when he said, “It’s humbling to see the outpouring of support and to be a part of something this huge. It feels good to go from enforcing the law to helping out this great cause.” The event’s top fundraisers were: * Individuals: Peter Weidman & Judy Laforest, $10,311 * Club/Chapter: GWRRA NY-N, $24,879 * Motorcycle Business: Sportline Power Products, $24,839 Volunteers are the heart of the Ride for Kids® program, and Utica’s local task force worked hard all year to make this event a success. Many thanks go to the local leadership team of Ken and Kathy Sweatman and Mike and Lesley Grogan. Minnesota makes a difference Century College in White Bear Lake hosted over 200 motorcyclists and supporters for the 18th Minnesota Ride for Kids®, which raised $47,965 for the PBTF. After a 50-mile lakeside ride, the motorcyclists heard from seven Ride for Kids® “stars” during the Celebration of Life program. Children like 4-year-old Domenick and long-term survivors like Jewell showed the riders different sides of the brain tumor journey. “Unless you have gone through this, it’s hard for you to know how important all of this is,” said Dr. Joe Neglia of the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital. “New treatments are on the horizon”¦but this type of research costs lots of money, so you have to keep telling your friends and filling up tents like this one.” Minnesota’s No. 1 fundraisers were: * Individuals: Bruce, Sandy & Justin Schafer, $7,011 * Club/Chapter: CMA Crosswinds #671, $7,169 * Motorcycle Business: Mudspringers, $12,916 Many dedicated volunteers worked behind the scenes to organize the Minnesota event. Special thanks went to Dan and Maggie Larson for leading these efforts. 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. The 2010 Ride for Kids® season continues in Marysville, Ohio on July 24 and in Overland Park, Kan., on July 25. For more information, go to ~http://www.rideforkids.org/~ or call 800-253-6530.