Ride for Kids 2011
By Rhonda Friedenberg
After the last two years of cold and or wet weather the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and the South Florida task force leaders decided to change the date to April 3, 2011.
I have to tell you that the decision was right! The weather was perfect. Earlier that week we had record breaking heat and when it came to this Sunday it cooled down to 75 degrees. We had our biggest turn out yet.
Motorcyclists raise $66,828 for PBTF at South Florida Ride for Kids®
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| Stars Jonathan (left) and Shawn share a smile with Dr. Anne Schaefer before the South Florida ride. |
Ride for Kids® began its 28th season yesterday in Deerfield Beach, Fla., where over 650 people turned out to support the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF). The South Florida ride raised $66,828.
Seven brain tumor survivors led the ride from Quiet Waters Park. After a scenic tour of Broward County and its beaches, the riders returned to hear from Drake, Travis, Taurin, Jonathan, Shawn, Brianna and Nicholas at the Celebration of Life.
Participants were encouraged to hear that Shawn has been cancer-free for two years, and that Nicholas is a PBTF college scholarship recipient, but took time to acknowledge that not every outcome is as successful. Eric Barash, whose child did not survive, remains thankful. “The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation does a great job for these kids, and it means a lot that you came with your support,” he told the riders.
Two doctors from Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Dr. Anne Schaefer and Dr. Iftikhar Hanif, told the crowd that their donations mean more than ever. “With funding drying up for research due to the economy, it is more important than ever for funding to come from other sources,” said Dr. Schaefer. “I must encourage you to continue to support events like this and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.”
The top fundraisers were:
- Individual: Michelle Craven-Meyer, $6,132
- Club/chapter: South Florida Riders Club, $12,622
- Motorcycle business: Star Cycles, $28,218
Congratulations to the winners of the drawing prizes from Ride for Kids® sponsors: Gail Landsnaes (Honda motorcycle); Eddie Burnell (Dunlop tire); Michelle Craven-Meyer (AGV helmet); Jay Kennedy (Tourmaster luggage); and Eric Lucero (Cardo Systems headset).
The seventh South Florida Ride for Kids® was organized by many local volunteers and task force members, including Yuergen Boehmke, Rhonda Friedenberg, Cesar Tejera and Debra Law.
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.
At the conclusion of the day we raised $68,000 and Star Cycles was the #1 dealer for the most donations credit to them by their customers $28,218.00.
We thank all the people that come to our shop and made us the #1 shop. Thank you for attending.
Rhonda