$291K raised by the Ride for Kids in three cities

Michigan Ride for Kids Tops $120,000

The early morning clouds were ominous on Sunday, August 26 as the sun began to
peak over the horizon of Domino's Farms in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Yet the weather
didn't stop the 550 riders who raised $120,460 on behalf of the Ride for Kids to
fund research to find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors.


During the Celebration of Life ceremonies under the Big Tent, the riders were
thrilled to hear about the progress being achieved by the researchers, led by
Dr. Sandra Rempel at Henry Ford Hospital. As always, it is the special "kids"
the riders came to see and here. Seven young people came on stage and 19-year
old Ruthie captured everyone's heart as she shared that she is now a sophomore
at the University of Michigan studying to become a History teacher.


Rob Proctor, father of six-year old brain tumor survivor Katie, led the
individual fund raising efforts with $12,577. Top Club Honors went to the Cycle
Conservation Club with $17,468. Top dealer honors went to Honda dealer C&C
Sports with $13,982. When Harold Smith heard his name called as the winner of
the brand new Honda motorcycle, all he could say was WOW!


Congratulations to Task Force Leaders Bob and Sue Lorenz and Bill and Kathy
Chapin for an excellent job of assembling a great task force and group of
volunteers who created a super event in spite of the weather.


A thousand miles south of Ann Arbor, another Ride for Kids event was taking
place$B!D(B


Asheville Ride for Kids Tops $95,000


The morning haze that is the namesake of the Great Smokey Mountains was very
evident in the skies of Western North Carolina on Sunday August 26 as
motorcyclists from several states gathered at the home of the Pediatric Brain
Tumor Foundation of the US for the Asheville Ride for Kids. When the total funds
raised for the Asheville ride were totaled, an amazing $95,624 had been raised
by 450 riders to fund research seeking the cause and cure of childhood brain
tumors.


At the conclusion of the ride, the group assembled for the Celebration of Life
ceremonies. Everyone was attentive to the remarks of Dr. Darell Bigner of Duke
University as he described the progress being made in research of childhood
brain tumors. Then the stars of the day - nine young people - made their way to
the stage. A veteran of seven Asheville Ride for Kids events, Adam Cox, told the
assembled crowd that he had just graduated from high school. Eighteen year old
Adam was diagnosed with his tumor at age three and has endured three operations
and radiation treatment over the past 15 years.


An astonished crowd was speechless when it was announced that Raymond Hobby was
the top fundraiser with a record $50,000. Mr. Hobby lost a teen-age son to a
brain tumor in 1999 and works in his memory "so that other parents don't have to
endure the tragedy of losing a child to this terrible disease." Top club honors
went to GWRRA NC-M2 with $11,200. Top dealer credit went to Walt's Cycle Shop
with $3,838 and the winner of the new Honda Motorcycle was Wayne Mason from
Dillard, GA.


Congratulations to Task Force leaders Bill and Lisa Obermiller and Ron and Jayne
Williamson for a tremendous job of organizing a committed task force and a great
staff of volunteers!


Enumclaw Ride for Kids