Two Ride for Kids events took place Saturday, April 27 – one in Albuquerque, N.M., and the other in Houston. And both rides help raise $228,548 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
The Ride for Kids events attracted more than 550 motorcyclists. Following are the official event reports.
2014 Houston Ride for Kids
More than 445 participants attended the 22nd Houston Ride for Kids on April 27. The event, which had raised $183,320 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation by ride time, featured partly cloudy skies and warm temperatures.
The event’s Stars were the 15 local brain tumor survivors who led the ride in from the Humble Civic Center: Jake, Ethan, Jocelyn, Spencer, Malcolm, Leon, Garrett, Ava, Ella, Noah, Kaitlyn, Calvin, Michael, Nick and Trent.
These children’s families are grateful for the support of the motorcycling community. “One of the things that helped when Ethan was in the hospital was the information that the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation provided,” said Rochelle, mother of a Houston Star. “I couldn’t fix him. Someone else had to do that. The fundraising you do makes it possible.” Dr. Jack Su of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers also attended. “You are raising money. Let’s keep doing that every year,” he told the Houston crowd.
As of April 28, the individuals, motorcycle club/chapter and motorcycle business with the most raised were Steve and Judy Ferguson ($21,877), Northwest Honda Red Riders ($31,761) and Northwest Honda ($94,776). The leading non-motorcycle group was In Memory of Gene Brady ($18,545).
2014 Albuquerque Ride for Kids
Cold, windy weather didn’t stop more than 100 participants from gathering for the ninth Albuquerque Ride for Kids on April 27. The event had raised $45,228 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation by ride time.
The event’s Stars were the four local brain tumor survivors who led the ride from Mesa Del Sol Soccer Fields at Hard Rock Pavilion: Andy, Sage, Jaiden and Megan.
Star mom Jennifer said, “At 12 years of age, Sage is walking, talking and telling jokes. Thanks to all of you for helping him.”
As of April 28, the individuals, motorcycle club/chapter and motorcycle business with the most raised were Thomas and Donna Mitchell ($10,360), Turquoise HOG Chapter ($9,025) and Accessory Pit ($23,815).
Making life better for Ride for Kids Stars is the reason motorcyclists across the country ride for the PBTF, which funds medical research and family support programs to help eliminate the challenges of childhood brain tumors.
The events are still collecting donations online at www.rideforkids.org. Fundraisers will receive incentive credit through May 27.
