Ride for Kids®

benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation®

We ride to cure the kids!

Twenty years ago Northern California hosted its first Ride for Kids event, and many of the first participants were there yesterday in Fairfield to celebrate the occasion. The crowd brought $124,015 in donations to the PBTF.

“Thank you, riders. You make me feel like I’m flying,” said 9-year-old brain tumor survivor Elias, who was joined at the ride by fellow stars Reiana, Malcolm, Elizabeth, Elias, Darren, Jaylen, Chelsea and Vanessa. Many of them accompanied the ride from Solano Community College past vineyards, lakes, rivers and farms.

After the ride, participants heard from people whose lives have been affected by childhood brain tumors. “The technology that has been developed just in the amount of time [my son] has been sick has advanced enough to make a significant impact in his treatment,” said Malcolm’s dad, Duncan Sandiland. “That is what Ride for Kids fundraising efforts have brought to our family.”

Northern California’s top fundraisers were:

• Individuals: Kirk and Ann Harry, $24,000
• Motorcycle club/chapter: Curve Unit, $25,728
• Motorcycle business: Hillside Honda, $6,985
• Special organization: Sam Harry Foundation, $24,000

Ride for Kids appreciates the generosity of its event prize sponsors. American Honda donated a motorcycle that was won by Marge Higley. Other winners were B.J. Johnson (AGV helmet); Charles Horner (Dunlop tire); Jeannie Camara (Tourmaster luggage) and Duncan Sandiland (Cardo Scala Rider).

Jim and Char Duncan, Tina Esquer and Dan Pasini led the local volunteer task force that organized this year’s ride. Mark your calendar now for Oct. 6, 2013 for the next Northern California Ride for Kids.