By Caroline Karnatz, Harrison High School
The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation hosted its 30th annual fundraiser “Ride for Kids” on Sunday, June 2, in Alpharetta and Dahlonega. Donations for the 2013 Ride totaled more than $161,000.
Ride for Kids is a road ride in which volunteer motorcyclists carry pediatric brain tumor survivors (called “STARS”) either on their motorcycles or in sidecars along scenic road routes. The Ride raises both awareness and money for researching pediatric brain tumors, one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer.
“Every dollar makes a difference,” Mary Ratcliffe, the Foundation’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications, said in a release. “There are kids out there that need your help, and you might think there’s not much you can do, but there absolutely is. We’re making a difference, but there’s so much more to do. We encourage everybody to get out there and do their part, because it makes such a huge difference to our STARS and their families.”
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This year, STARS and their drivers began at North Point Mall in Alpharetta and rode to Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega. Riders received a police escort during the ride, which closed down Georgia 400 so STARS could safely enjoy the ride. It lasted from 9:30 to approximately 11:00 a.m. after which, the STARS shared pieces of their story onstage with WSB-TV’s Jocelyn Dorsey during the post-ride ceremony.
Ride for Kids originally began in Atlanta in 1983 and has branched out to many states. The Atlanta Ride for Kids occurs annually the first Sunday of June and celebrates its 30th annual ride this year.
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The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation will continue to hold events throughout the year.
For more information about the Ride For Kids, visit rideforkids.org or call the PBTF at (800) 253-6530.
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