Honda's Ride for Kids Raises $247,240

There was a flurry of activity as the sun was beginning to rise at the AllstateInsurance Company headquarters in Northbrook. The beautifully manicured lawnsatthe Allstate facility had been especially prepared for this date, as this wastobe the site of the start of the 13th annual Chicago area Ride for Kids. It wasahuge thrill to all as they saw the parking lot fill with motorcycles of alltypes. Big John Howell of radio station US 99.5 thanked everyone for coming andat 9:30 am sharp there were huge cheers as the near endless column ofmotorcycles made their way into the Northern suburbs of Chicago. Policeofficersfrom 20 different agencies on motorcycles, on foot and in 4 wheelers led theride, blocked intersections and provided a smooth, safe nonstop ride throughthevillages and countryside surrounding Northbrook...

Of special note was George Appleman from Missouri, who rode his 500cc sportbikesome 500 miles to be a part of this special event. George lost his 16 year oldson just 21 months ago to this dreadful monster known as brain cancer. He cameon this day to celebrate the 16 years he had with his son and to urge us all onin our fight to end the disease. Dr. Jim Ruffer, a Pediatric Neuro RadiologyOncologist, shared how important the research is, and how the significantimprovements in brain tumor treatments that have occurred during the last tenyears are the result of this research. There was a huge roar of approval whenheshared that his wife was participating on her motorcycle and that he hadalreadysigned up for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course so that he couldparticipateon his own motorcycle next year.

As always, it was the kids on the stage who were the stars. There is nothinglike seeing these kids, who never give up, to make every participant wish theycould do more. Other special attendees included the Toys for Tots bear,"Skates"the mascot of the Chicago Wolves and Marcus Robinson of the Chicago Bears.

Congratulations to Northbrook top fundraiser Ted Nielsen who brought $12,630 tofund the programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the US. A newnational record was set for club fundraising efforts with GWRRA IllinoischapterG2 bringing $53, 064. Top dealer honors at the Northbrook ride also set a newnational record with Des Plaines Honda's customers bringing $68,977. JohnRunzel was the excited winner of the brand new Honda motorcycle.

Hats Off to Task Force leaders Vito Racanelli and Bob Wagner and to all thevolunteer Task Force members for organizing such a great event. At the end ofthe program, there were 5 smiling kids holding up a giant check showing thatthe2200 participants had raised $247,240 to fund research the badly neededresearchto find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors.