The Miracle Ride Foundation, Inc. consists of a large group of volunteers with 501 (c)(3) status. We are all motorcycle enthusiasts, many are Indiana business professionals with varying degrees and we all share a great passion for keeping children healthy. We believe that helping to fund Riley Hospital for Children is the best way to demonstrate that shared belief. Put all of this together and you have one of the nation’s largest motorcycle fundraising events.
The first Miracle Ride took place in 1994. The event grew out of an idea generated by Rod Taylor and Michael Farabaugh. Impressed by the charitable work done by A.B.A.T.E. for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, these two individuals embarked on a mission to locate a benefit that would assist all children regardless of their ailment. They also wanted to ensure they would not compete with MDA and the answer was found in Riley Hospital for Children.
Riley is the only hospital in Indiana dedicated to providing comprehensive care to seriously ill and critically injured children. However, Riley does not receive direct state or federal aid. The daily operation of the hospital is funded exclusively by donation. By directing the revenues raised by the Miracle Ride to Riley Hospital, participants in the event can be certain that their money is going to a local cause that assists all children with a wide range of illnesses and injuries. Below you will find the historical data on how much money was raised through the Miracle Ride and how it was used by Riley Hospital for Children.
| Year |
Money Raised |
Where It Went |
| 1994 |
$21,024.00 |
General Benefit |
| 1995 |
$51,152.00 |
General Benefit |
| 1996 |
$82,584.00 |
Tunnel Transport |
| 1997 |
$64,240.00 |
Clinical Programs (Cystic Fibrosis, Downes Syndrome) |
| 1998 |
$102,750.00 |
Clinical Programs (Cystic Fibrosis, Downes Syndrome) |
| 1999 |
$112,418.41 |
Clinical Programs (Cystic Fibrosis, Downes Syndrome) |
| 2000 |
$118,633.74 |
Clinical Programs (Cystic Fibrosis, Downes Syndrome) & Camp Riley |
| 2001 |
$153,069.69 |
Clinical Programs (Cystic Fibrosis, Downes Syndrome) & Camp Riley |
| 2002 |
$173,591.12 |
Clinical Programs (Cystic Fibrosis, Downes Syndrome) & Camp Riley & General Benefit of Hospital |
| 2003 |
$256,198.25 |
Clinical Programs (Cystic Fibrosis, Downes Syndrome) & Camp Riley & General Benefit of Hospital |
| 2004 |
$283,973.25 |
Clinical Programs Child Life Specialists - $150,000, Diabetes - $133,973.25 |
| 2005 |
$231,025.61 |
Phase V |
| 2006 |
$314,731.89 |
General Benefit ($214,731.89) and Burn Unit ($100,000) |
| 2007 |
$264,810.91 |
Pulmonology ($130,000), Burn Unit (100,000) and General Benefit ($34,810.91) |
| 2008 |
$365,585.00 |
Pulmonology ($130,000), Burn Unit (100,000) and General Benefit ($135,000) |
| 2009 |
$371,225.00 |
Pulmonology ($130,000), Burn Unit (100,000) and General Benefit ($130,000) and Kohl’s Center for Safe Transportation ($10,000) |
| 2010 |
$285,000.00 |
Clinical Programs ($130,000), General Benefit ($45,000), Burn Unit ($100,000) and Kohl’s Center for Safe Transportation ($10,000) |
| Total |
$3,252,012.87 |
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The Miracle Ride has undergone many changes over the past 17 years, but two things have remained the same. The event has always taken a ride past Riley Hospital for Children, where the doctors, nurses, and children who are able, stand outside to waive at the motorcyclists as they go by. With the exception of the first year, participants have always been able to take a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In 2011 the Miracle Ride will maintain these staples, but there are a couple of new and exciting venue changes.
New for 2011, Miracle Ride Poker Runs will end at the Wyndham Indianapolis West Hotel. The Wyndham is generously allowing the Miracle Ride to take up enough space so that all events, from silent auction to bike show, will be held inside. The Wyndham, Ramada Airport Indianapolis, and Days Hotel Airport are all offering a special Miracle Ride rate. If you would rather camp than stay in a hotel, there is an area nearby that is saving the space for Miracle Ride campers.
Sunday morning’s ride will begin at Allison Transmission once again, as the Miracle Ride has been welcomed with open arms by the AT and UAW crew. Not to mention the fact that they are wonderful hosts who became a title sponsor last year. Sunday’s ending location will take the ride on a much longer route than usual, as we will be heading into Shelbyville to Indiana Live! Casino.
Indiana Live! Casino has come on as a major sponsor this year and they are allowing us to use their very large parking lot to set-up the big tent, park bikes, and serve a complimentary lunch to all participants. Indiana Live! Casino will also be putting up a Motorcycle and 4-wheeler to be raffled off in the spring and all proceeds will go to the Miracle Ride.
Other title sponsors include the Bob & Tom Radio Show, Lucas Oil Products, AAA Hoosier Insurance, and WTHR. The Miracle Ride offers many levels of sponsorship, if you are interested please contact us!
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