Bikers Gearing Up For Annual Blue Ribbon Ride Against Child Abuse

FULTON, NY – Executive director of the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County, Karrie Damm, announced plans are under way for the agency’s seventh annual Blue Ribbon Ride Against Child Abuse.

Scheduled for Sept. 11, rain or shine, the event is a 60-mile motorcycle ride that will wind throughout Oswego County.

Members from the CAC, local bike clubs, community volunteers and concerned business owners have come together to plan this year’s ride and ensure that motorcycle enthusiasts have an enjoyable day as they help support the efforts of the CAC’s “Go Blue! for Kids” campaign which focuses on child abuse awareness and prevention.

“We are working on putting together a fun-filled day bikers won’t want to miss,” said Damm. “Following a scenic ride through Oswego County, participants will enjoy a barbecue at Sweet Inspirations Drive-In, Route 3. There will also be plenty of raffles and entertainment.”

Money raised during the event will be used to benefit the CAC as it continues its mission to assist in the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child victims of sexual and physical abuse in Oswego County.

“With the demand for our services increasing, we are looking to make this our most successful ‘Blue Ribbon Ride’ ever.  We anticipate more than 100 riders and are offering businesses and organizations the opportunity to be a part of the event by becoming an official sponsor. Sponsorship levels are available at a number of affordable levels,” added Damm.

The CAC is a non-profit organization that works hand-in-hand with local law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, medical providers, therapy providers, and victim advocacy professionals in Oswego County to protect and serve child victims of sexual and physical abuse.

In 2009 the CAC served more than 300 children as sexual abuse cases in Oswego County rose by more than 75%.

“We provide therapy and services to approximately 50 children each week. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to for us to meet the increase demand. Our goal with the ‘Blue Ribbon Ride’ is not only raise awareness of child abuse in Oswego County, but also help us raise some much needed funds to help us to continue to serve our community as a resource for children and families touched by this abuse. We are grateful to the volunteers on our planning committee for their dedication to the children in this county and invite businesses and organizations to be part of this event by becoming an official sponsor. Many free services are provided to the victims that come to the CAC and without the support of the community we would not be able to help these children,” added Damm.

Those who register before Aug. 13 will receive a complimentary event T-shirt.

Drivers and riders will also be able to register the day of the event.

A $30 donation per driver and a $20 donation per passenger are requested.

Riders who obtain $100 or more in donations will ride and dine for free.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the CAC’s Blue Ribbon Campaign.

Day of registration will begin at 10 a.m. with the ride beginning at noon.

For more information on the ride or to find out how you can help sponsor the event, contact the CAC at 592-4453.