Phoenix Ride for Kids maintains record fundraising pace

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sunday morning, October 21, 2001 in Phoenix, Arizona was a day like many others
with one special exception -- $168,443 was collected at the annual Phoenix Ride
for Kids to fund the ongoing research and programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor
Foundation of the U.S. (PBTFUS). This represents a whopping 32 percent increase
over the funds collected at last year's event.


Throughout the morning, the sounds of motorcycles filtered across the parking
lot of the Boeing Helicopter Plant in nearby Mesa, the staging point of this
year's ride. At 10:00 am, the command went out to "start your engines" and
motorcycleS of all types quickly came to life. A steady rumble was heard as the
fifth annual Phoenix Ride for Kids rolled out onto the scenic mountain roads of
southern Arizona. Approximately 90 minutes later the nearly 600 participants,
led by Arizona Public Safety motorcycle officers, arrived at Prospector Park in
Apache Junction. As the motorcyclists dismounted, patriotic music could be heard
playing from the big top tent and the riders hurried to the tent to gather their
lunch and take part in the "Celebration of Life" program.


Jean Lockrow, director of the Phoenix Children's Hospital Cancer Center, held
everyone's attention as she shared how important this day was to all the
families of children with brain tumors. Charlene Boone, mother of 10-year old
Marissa, shared what it was like when, four months ago, her family's life was
turned upside down by the diagnosis of Marissa's tumor. Overwhelmed with her
first motorcycle ride, she described the wonderful feeling of love and support
she felt among the caring riders. When brain tumor survivors Bryce and Marissa
came on stage, there were tears of laughter, tears of joy and tears of sorrow as
all realized how fragile life can be and how precious each of our children are.


The purpose of each Ride for Kids event is to bring awareness about the disease
of pediatric brain tumors to the general public and to raise funds to pay for
research to find the cause and cure of this dreadful disease. The fundraisers at
this event made it obvious that they understood that this funding was badly
needed. Congratulations to Scott and Mary Jo White, the Phoenix Ride for Kids
champion fundraisers, who brought $32,507 in memory of their daughter Nikki. The
top fundraising organization was the Logan Roberts Charity Events group with
$64,159. Logan's Valley Motorcycles of Mesa was the number one dealer with
customers and friends bringing in $56,475. When it came time to give away a
brand new Honda motorcycle, a speechless Karen Overstake of Mesa was the very
happy winner.


Congratulations to Task Force Leaders Dave and Edie Hewitt and Nick and Ginny
Hoppner for a truly great event.  The Task Force's efforts will have a huge
impact on the lives of children with brain tumors and it was a great day for all
those in attendance, each of whom brought hope to the families affected by this
disease.


The Ride for Kids events are motorcycle events that support the work of the
PBTFUS. The final Ride for Kids of the 2001 season will be held on Sunday
November 4, 2001 in Dunnellon, FL. For more information about the Ride for Kids
and the programs of the PBTFUS, call (800) 253-6530 or visit these websites at
www.ride4kids.org and  www.pbtfus.org .


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