July 29 Ride for Kids Raises $101K

2012 Ride for Kids

Ride for Kids events in Knoxville and Kansas City combined to raise $101,155 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation on July 29.

Knoxville rides for worthy cause

Knoxville, Tenn., hosted its 12th Ride for Kids on July 29, and the event didn’t disappoint the 175 participants. The group raised $59,722 to help children like Joseph, Zachary, Dawn, Hannah, Jessica S., Grace, and Jessica M.

These brain tumor survivors were at the head of the column of bikes that left Pellissippi Community College and traveled through the eastern Tennessee countryside. After the hour-long ride, the “stars” of the day took center stage, along with a local pediatric oncologist.

“The funds that all of you help raise for research, provides advanced technology such as the florescent light surgery that can detect if all the tumor was removed,” said Dr. Susan Spiller from East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

The top fundraisers were:

Individuals: Walter Mailskey, $5,205
Motorcycle club/chapter: GWRRA TN-B, $8,590
Motorcycle business: (tie) Honda of Knoxville and Destination Motorsports, each $5,815
Special organization: Hannah’s Army Angels, $4,180
Hardee’s Restaurants in the region contributed $35,497 from fundraising pinups. “We’re honored to support such a worthy cause,” said Hardees vice president Scott Walker.

Drawing prizes went to Catheryn Henning (Honda motorcycle); Henry Carser (AGV helmet); Geoffrey Greene (Dunlop tire); John Maliskey (Tourmaster luggage); and Gary Grove (Cardo Scala Rider).

Many thanks to the great volunteer team that organizes the Knoxville event. This year’s task force leaders were Tom and Kathy Peck, Rick and Cindy Valentine, and Sue Dauber.

Kansas City riders lead way to research

Frances, Ben, Zander, Carter, Jake, Collins, Noah, and J.T. put the “kids” in the ninth Kansas City Ride for Kids yesterday. These young people were part of an event that raised $41,433 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Johnson County Community College in Overland Park hosted the 225 participants on a hot, sunny day. After a rural ride that passed five lakes and a waterfall, everyone returned to the college to celebrate the kids.

“Fifty children a year are diagnosed with a brain tumor in the Kansas City area alone,” said Dr. Richard Shore, a pediatric oncologist at Children’s Mercy Hospital. “Because of the research the PBTF funds, there have been lots of advances and clinical trials.”

The top fundraisers in Kansas City were:

Individual: Gary & Mary Droege, $4,651
Motorcycle club/chapter: Prairie Red Riders, $4,480
Motorcycle business: Engle Motors, $7,540
Special organization: Carter’s Team, $1,001
The drawing prize winners were: Lisa Polka (Honda motorcycle); Kim Freese (AGV helmet); Ben Freese (Dunlop tire); Jeff Griswold (Tourmaster luggage); and Don Decker (Cardo Scala Rider).

The Kansas City Ride for Kids was a group effort, and this year’s volunteer leaders were Kim Freese, Don Decker, Jeff Griswold, and Darren Marshall.

About the PBTF Ride for Kids

Ride for Kids supports the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) by funding medical research and family support programs. We thank our presenting sponsor, Honda Riders Club of America, and our national insurance sponsor, GEICO. The next Ride for Kids events are on Sunday, Aug. 5, in Central Valley, N.Y., Cranberry Township, Penn.; and Middleton, Wis. Learn more at rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.