For 25 years, the Kid and Cancer Benefit Run has been going strong — this one was no exception. Bill Black, president of the nonprofit organization, said “it was a great day, and a
successful and very safe ride, there were no accidents — that is one of our biggest goals of this event.”
He would know, he has been with the group since day one and has no plans to leave anytime soon. In 25 years, the organization has raised more than $700,000 to help people, not just kids, battle cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The grand total from this year’s event is not in yet, but Black stated that all the proceeds go directly to the cause.
“I don’t know what the total is, but I know we met our goal. Thank you to everyone who came out. We had 300 bikes and 500 participants this year.” He wasn’t sure about how many extra vehicles rode in the benefit, but thanked them just the same.
The run was set up much the same as it has been in the past, though Black admitted there were a few extras this year. “This year there was a silent auction and a raffle, I don’t think we have done those before. And, for the first time, we had a T-shirt contest. Children under 12 could submit the design for the anniversary edition and then if selected, sign it.”
This year, the blessing of the bikes was performed by Father John Jacquel of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Followed by Lisa Platko singing the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
Once the bikes returned for the afterparty, awards were on everyone’s minds.
The 2022 Harley Davidson Street Glide was won by Chad Whalen of Bemus Point, N.Y. who had purchased his ticket at the Jamestown Harley Davidson store in Jamestown, N.Y. Jim Ingerson won the prize money of $1000, and Sean Niland had the winning ticket for the Jamestown Harley Davidson store gift card worth $250.
This year’s shirt was designed by Rosalyn Foster, 11, of Bradford. It was selected by a committee from all the submissions. She added her signature to the design after it was selected and then the art went to the print shop.
“It was a wonderful day. Everyone had a good time,” said Black.
And they did. But just because the event is over doesn’t mean the need has ended. Black described the mission of the organization and what they accomplish.
“Everyone working is a volunteer. The money goes to many places to support the person in need. Places like John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, Roswell Park, Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, a foundation in Tennessee that specializes in Kidney cancer, Shriners Hospital for Children, and St. Jude’s — it is an amazing organization.”
He noted that the group helps everyone, not just kids and not just those who are local. “We have helped all over: Florida, Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio. And, we have helped adults too. Many places only help kids and then when they turn 18, they are not eligible anymore — we don’t do that.”
Donations are accepted all year by visiting their website: www.kidsandcancerbenefitrun.com or find them on Facebook.
