BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - More than 50 Honda riders and volunteers were a part of the 300 motorcycles and donors who gathered at Barber Motorsports Park on September 12 for the annual Birmingham Ride for Kids event, benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
Together, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) and associates contributed $15,735 to the day’s $75,000 total, as well as tremendous support and encouragement for the Foundation and its continued search for a cure.
“It was great to see so many associates and their families come out, with or without their motorcycles, in support of the Ride For Kids and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation,” said Fran Pope, special events coordinator. “This event is for such a wonderful cause, and a huge thank you goes to HMA associates for helping to raise the money for this great cause and offering up their Sunday morning to come out and help.”
The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) is a national organization dedicated to fighting childhood brain tumors through research and grant funding, advocacy, family support and a scholarship program.
Ride for Kids is a large catalyst in raising money to support the PBTF’s search for the cause and cure for the youth illness, and is held in different cities across the country each year.
American Honda Motor Co. and HMA have both shared a long-standing relationship to the Ride For Kids program. Sponsored by the Honda Rider’s Club of America, Ride for Kids has held the position as American Honda’s official charity since 1991.
This year was HMA’s sixth time to help sponsor the Birmingham Chapter event. “It’s important to be out here for the kids, and that’s really all there is to it,” said Raymond Moore, an HMA associate. Moore helped register riders prior to the event, participated in the ride himself and presented HMA’s donation to the Ride For Kids Task Force.
“It is so difficult for the children who have to go through something like this illness, and if we can come out and help them, by just doing something that’s a hobby for us – something that we love doing, like riding – then we’re happy to do it, and help however we can.”