3rd Annual Ride For Ronnie Raises $40,000 For Cancer Research

Despite the continuous threat of rain, the third annual Ride For Ronnie Motorcycle Rally and Concert, held on May 7th, attracted motorcycle enthusiasts and rock music fans alike and raised $40,000 for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.

Dio Cancer Fund co-founder and president Wendy Dio led the procession of some 200 motorcycle riders for the morning ride from Harley-Davidson of Glendale to Los Encinos Park in Encino.

She was joined by Sons of Anarchy actors Emilio Rivera (and also star of the forthcoming Mayans MC series), Sean McNabb (who also performed with Lynch Mob at the concert) and Star Fields, as well as actors Al Coronel (The Last Ship) and Chris Bruno (The Dead Zone) alongside musicians Lita Ford, former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke, and Xavier Muriel (Buckcherry).

Wendy Dio and Dr. Sandy Kapoor presented a check for $25,000 to Dr. David Wong of the UCLA School of Dentistry to further his team's research into the development of a simple, non-invasive saliva test for the early detection of cancer. Dr. Wong told the crowd that the recognized support from the Dio Cancer Fund has already brought his project additional funding.

The family of Randy Rhoads-his sister Kathy Rhoads D'Argenzio and brother Kelle Rhoads-joined Wendy Dio on stage to show their support for the work of the Dio Cancer Fund, presenting the organization with a donation in memory of their late brother. A video clip from the Ride For Ronnie procession can be seen here.