Ride for Kids

The annual motorcycle and family-friendly event rolls into Tulsa this September in support of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

On Sunday, September 15 motorcycles from all over will come together and ride in support for children afflicted with brain tumors. The Oklahoma Ride for Kids, benefitting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, will meet at the Tulsa Health Department (near 51st and 129th E. Ave, just off the Broken Arrow Expressway). There is still room to join the ride, and motorcycles with side cars are especially desired, since survivors ­typically ride along. On-site registration is open from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The ­escorted ride begins at 10 a.m., rain or shine.

    Ride for Kids rolls into its fifth year in Tulsa, and is ­gaining momentum. Betty and Jim Jones, who have ­participated for a couple years, are helping organize the event for the first time. “There are an awful lot of children in the Tulsa area who have been affected by brain tumors,” Jim points out. “We do this for the kids,” adds Betty.

    Donations and money raised at Ride for Kids goes toward funding research and family support programs. “This is a problem that ­funding can help,” explains Jim. “When the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation first started out, there were four categories of tumors affecting kids. Now, researchers have found treatments for three of the four types. We have one more to go. There are still children dying from this. We can do better.” The optimism and warmth emanating from Mr. and Mrs. Jones is ­inspiring and contagious.

    They have good reason to be optimistic. Last year, Ride for Kids raised over $16,000 in the Tulsa area. As part of a nationwide organization, the money adds up quickly and is put to effective use. The PBTF funds researchers who specialize in child brain tumors. The PBTF also ­partners with local family ­support initiatives, provides educational literature and awards college scholarships to brain tumor survivors.

    Join the Tulsa Ride for Kids on Sunday, September 15 for a fun event that ­features a ceremony honoring survivors and remembering loved ones who have passed. In addition to the ­police-escorted motorcycle ride, attendees can look forward to live music, food and activities. Radio personality “Wavy Davy” Michaels (from 103.3 FM) will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event. The Shriners will be out in support with their ­motorcycles and clowns, which is always a fun scene.  There will be a drawing for door prizes and a silent ­auction. One of the ­featured items for the auction is a hat autographed by Toby Keith. Most impressive, Honda gives away a ­motorcycle at each event. Last year, Honda gave away 40 motorcycles ­nationwide.

    Sponsors of the event include some high profile names. Daylight Donuts is providing donuts in the morning, Starbucks will offer coffee, and Borden will ­supply breakfast drinks. Throughout the day, Pepsi is providing drinks. QuikTrip will bring ­sandwiches and snacks.    It is important to note that you do not need a ­motorcycle to participate or support Ride for Kids. Organizers always welcome help with sponsors, raising donations and event day ­logistics. For more ­information, visit www.rideforkids.org.

For more information, contact

Ride for Kids

(918) 630-8729

eat0@eau0eav0eaw0
www.rideforkids.org