Ep 13: How Riders Raised $70M+ to Fight Childhood Brain Cancer – Alissa Karas, Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising at the PBTF

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From grassroots motorcycle rides to nationwide corporate partnerships, Ride for Kids has been making a charitable impact for over 40 years. In this episode, host Heather Wilson Schiltz sits down with Alissa Karas, Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising at the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF), to explore how the powersports community has raised more than $70 million to fight the deadliest form of childhood cancer: brain cancer.

They discuss the legacy of Ride for Kids, why adding a charitable component to motorsports events is a win-win for organizers and the community, and practical tips for anyone looking to get started in fundraising, whether you’re an individual rider, a local club, or a major brand.

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation started in the motorcycle industry and grew into a national nonprofit
• The 41-year legacy of Ride for Kids and the $70 million riders have raised for research and family support
• Honda, Comoto, Progressive, and other powersports leaders setting the standard for corporate giving
• Creative, family-friendly ways that Ride for Kids engages families they support at races and community events
• Best practices for integrating charity into your motorsports event and why it matters for PR
• Easy fundraising tools, software and ideas to help riders and organizers get started
• Why storytelling and personal connection are key to successful fundraising
• How to evaluate charities with resources like Charity Navigator before donating
• The vision for Ride for Kids and the role of the next generation of riders in continuing the mission

📲 Connect with Alissa Karas and PBTF

• Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation: curethekids.org
• Ride for Kids: rideforkids.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rideforkids
• Instagram: @RideforKids

✅ Want More Resources?

Check out High Gear Success' Fuel For Thought training for motorsports event organizers on Generating Positive PR

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.

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