Greater community supports kids’ brain tumor foundation fundraiser
Earlier this summer, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s “Ride For The Kids” – a motorcycle charity ride – was held at was held at the Walworth County Fairgrounds. The goal of the ride was to raise money to pay for research and help families of children diagnosed with brain tumors, which is the most common form of cancer impacting children and also the deadliest cancer for children.
While the weather was uncooperative in the morning on July 22, motorcyclists were undeterred and showed up in force. Many were local, but others came from as far afield as Nebraska, having ridden hundreds of miles to show their support. The rain ended and the fog was lifting by the time the motorcycles set out on the ride through Elkhorn and surrounding areas assisted by officers from the City of Elkhorn and Walworth County Sheriffs Department.
Local organizers Meghan and Tony Ketchpaw dedicated hours working with the foundation and a dedicated team of volunteers to bring the event to Elkhorn. In total, over $43,000 was raised.
Among the helpers were scouts from Elkhorn’s Troop 243, who served coffee and donuts as riders arrived in the morning. Later, the troop went on to grill brats and burgers for the participants as well as event staff.
Perhaps the most touching aspect of the ride is that children and teens currently battling cancer were invited to participate, riding in sidecars and on the back of bikes.
Following the ride, there was a presentation followed by the raffle drawing for a brand new Honda motorcycle. Riders and event staff and volunteers enjoyed music by Chapter 1 during lunch.
Many people, businesses and organizations supported the event including Frank’s Piggly Wiggly of Elkhorn, Steinbrink’s Piggly Wiggly of Delavan, Sorg’s Meat of Darien, the Elkhorn Police and Walworth County Sheriffs departments, Honda Motorcycles, Elkhorn Boy Scout Troop 243 and Chapter 1 as well as scores of volunteers, according to organizers.
The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is the world’s leading nonprofit dedicated to the childhood brain tumor community. The foundation serves more than 28,000 U.S. children and teens battling brain tumors by investing in the most promising research and providing practical, informational and emotional support to families. The research and support is made possible from many events held around the country. More information can be found at curethekids.org.
