Ride for Kids®

benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation®

We ride to cure the kids!

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.