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September 25, 2025 โ€ข 27 mins

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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 youโ€™re an individual rider, a local club, or a major brand.

๐ŸŽง What Youโ€™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

๐Ÿ“ฒ Connect with Alissa Karas and PBTF

โœ… 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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Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success

๐Ÿ‘‰ Want to connect or recommend a guest? Visit: MomentumMotorsportsPodcast.com

๐Ÿ”” Subscribe on YouTube for more motorsports stories and strategies

๐Ÿ“ธ Follow @MomentumMotorsportsPodcast on Instagram + Facebook

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