A Successful Fundraising Weekend
The Ride for Kids fundraiser was a huge success, toppling last year’s total of money earned- With a total of about one thousand participating motorcyclists.
Tommy Lee Edwards (me) raised over $2,000 through his fundraising website and helped bring in a grand total of$91,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. And it was cool to find out that, out of 1000 people, that I was the 5th highest in total funds raised.
I’d really like to thank everyone for all of their support and incredible generosity. Adam Hughes and Alan Gill (from Ultimate Comics in NC) deserve special recognition as the TLE Ride for Kids donation champs.
It was exhilarating to see all those bikers in one place- Joining together for one common great cause. While riding the beautiful scenic route through central North Carolina and around Jordan Lake, all I could see ahead of me were motorcycles. All I could see in my mirrors were motorcycles. Although a bit windy over the lake, we couldn’t have asked for better weather.
Below is the view past my handlebars, as we fired up the engines and prepared the hit the road.
I had two personal highlights.
One was when the entire group rode through downtown Pittsboro (my hometown) and went around the traffic circle. You could then see most of the bikes. Many spectators were there (and at various other places along the ride) as the police escorted us and closed off roads. While circling town hall, I was greeted by cheers from my wife and two kids.
The next highlight was, after the ride, when we met for a celebration near the lake. Getting to meet several doctors, patients and their parents was my favorite part. Hearing the kids’ stories and seeing what these families go through inspires me to get started on the 2008 ride. Many parents came to the celebration to thank the motorcyclists for all they have done- even the parents who had lost their son or daughter over the past year.
They don’t quite do the whole experience justice, but below are a few shots of my day with some great families and good friends.......
Ride for Kids
Monday, May 7, 2007
