On Saturday, 28 October 2023, club members and prospective members from around the greater Washington DC metropolitan area participated in the club’s first RIDE FOR KIDS charity event benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
Departing three local area BMW motorcycle dealerships and other locations in the morning, riders converged at the Tiki Bar in Solomons Island, MD between 1130am – 12:30pm. And what a glorious day for a late October ride it was! By high noon the temperature pushed past 84 degrees and upon arrival riders quickly shed their road armor for cooler wear, a cold drink, and something to eat from the bar. The Mahi-Tacos topped the list as the most popular order among attendees.
Kicking off the formal presentation was Bob Henig, owner of Bob’s Motorcycles and the main sponsor and organizer of Ride for Kids in past years. He emphasized the importance of the work being conducted by Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation as well as the importance of the motorcycle community supporting this important cause. He reminded us that in years past the amount of dollars raised was in the vicinity of $250,000 and that we hope to recover that momentum now that the Covid pandemic is behind us.
Next on the podium was Michael Battaglia, Fundraising and Community Engagement Manager, Ride for Kids. Michael shared with the group the importance of cancer research among children, explaining that there are over 20 different types of cancer affecting children whereas in adults, there are only about five. He also emphasized the importance of every dollar raised because it goes directly to fund research.
Juan B. Botero, President of the BMW Motorrad Club Washington DC, spoke next. Juan drove to the event as he is still recovering from his motorcycle accident in September. He welcomed and thanked everyone who participated in the event, both riders and all who supported with donations, and stressed the importance of supporting medical research. He shared his experiences as a medical interpreter and the oncology cases that he had to attend the day before at Children’s National Hospital. He reminded the group about the importance of cancer research, especially as it relates to children. Juan thanked everyone for their commitment to this important cause, including Vandy Young, President of the Solomons Island, Business Association, as well as Rich Cutair, owner of the Solomons Island Tiki bar and Grill for their hospitality and willingness to partner with us for next year’s Ride for Kids event which is being tentatively scheduled for May.
Rich Cutair, the Tiki Bar’s wonderful owner, welcomed the group and announced he will be negotiating a special arrangement with BMW Motorrad Club Washington DC for next year’s event.
Wrapping up the formal presentation and last to speak was Vandy Young, President of the Solomons Island Business Association, who welcomed the group as well and looked forward to hosting us again next year.
At the end of the event, after some special encouragement by Michael Battaglia, the ride raised a total of $6100 and the donation page will be left open and active for the next month for those who still wish to support this important cause. Since the event, several donations have come in. We will have a final report by the end of November.
If you wish to make a donation to Ride For Kids please visit the BMW Motorrad Club Washington DC Cure The Kids Team page: https://team.curethekids.org/team/530950
