Motorcyclists are gathering in Taylor Aug. 28 for the third annual Ride Against Child Abuse.
The ride starts and ends at Motown Harley-Davidson, 14100 Telegraph Road. The cost to participate in the escorted ride is $25 per bike, $10 for each rider. Registration starts at 10 a.m. and the ride leaves promptly at noon. Those who want to join can register only on the day of the ride. Organizers say the ride typically draws between 150 and 200 bikers. The event also offers food, music, 50/50 raffles and ride pins (while supplies last).
Bikers Against Child Abuse, the organization sponsoring the ride, said most funds are raised and used by individual chapters. The group’s philosophy is to use monies in the communities from which they were raised.
On its website, BACA states that the purpose of raised funds is multi-faceted. In addition to administrative costs, when members visit a child they may use the group’s financial resources to purchase mementos such as a vest, patches, pins, a stuffed BACA bear or monkey, a blanket, and toys to give the child a sense of security and belonging. The vest has a small patch on the back that identifies the child as part of the BACA family.
The organization also finances a therapy assistance fund to support children’s therapy when they are left without resources. BACA contracts with licensed therapists known for their expertise in working with children and pays them a discounted rate for their services.
The therapy assistance fund is also used to help finance activities that will help empower the child to feel more secure in their environment. Examples are karate lessons, cheerleader camp etc. The organization states that no one in BACA is ever compensated for their efforts. Members pledge that all of the money donated to BACA from the Ride Against Child Abuse will go to support the group’s mission.
