Texas riders cranked up the contributions for the PBTF at the ninth Dallas/Fort Worth Ride for Kids®. The 500 participants raised $156,749.
The group left Grapevine Mills Mall on a clear, sunny morning to ride for some very special survivors: Benjamin, Cassie P., Kami, Summer, John, Cassie M., Christina, Daniella, Shelby, LeighAnna, J.C., Heidi, Jerald, Nora, and Rachel.
After a tour of tree-lined country roads, the riders returned for a celebratory program. Many of the “stars” spoke, as did one of their parents.
“I have to be honest, until we started coming to the Ride for Kids we never had too much to do with motorcyclists, but we now know that you all have very big hearts, and I thank you for helping to save John’s life, and the lives of all the kids up here today and those not yet born,” said John’s father.
Added Dr. Joann Sanders from Cook Children’s Hospital, “The money you raise here today will go a long way in helping find even more answers and to keep moving research forward.”
The top fundraisers were:
- Individual: Sam Caine, $50,802
- Family team or organization: Caden Johnson Memorial Fund, $53,419
- Motorcycle club/chapter: Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club, $16,803
- Motorcycle business: Customers of Maxim Honda, $35,788
Donated Ride for Kids® drawing prizes went to Jeff Latimer (Honda motorcycle); Richard Boslow (AGV helmet); Sam Caine (Dunlop tire and Tourmaster luggage); and John Mathiesen (Cardo Systems headset).
Special thanks went to the event’s all-volunteer task force, led this year by Gary and Julie Touchstone, Jeff Latimer, and Gen White. Ride with them next year on Sunday, Oct. 7.
– SOURCE Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
