By Jackie Nichols
Sun, Aug 17, 2008
AUGUST 17 - The Third Annual Rally for RAACE and Family Fun Day to raise awareness and money to eliminate child sexual abuse was carried beyond expectations thanks to the participation of dedicated RAACE Fans.
The event raised over $35,000 for the RAACE to Raise $2,000,000 fundraising campaign. Over $18,000 in donations flooded in at the Rally, with the greatest individual contribution coming from Joe Sweitzer of Jones Junction. Sir Psycho got the morning crowd pumped up and Courtney filled the air with her beautiful rendition of The Star Spangled Banner.
"My heart was so full to see all those people out there who want to help make a difference. It's encouraging to see how much people want to help raise awareness," said Programs and Services Director Vickie Brooks.
As in past years, the ride started at Jones Junction in Bel Air, MD, then snaked through the beautiful tree lined hills of Harford County for nearly 15 miles before ending at Chesapeake Harley-Davidson in Darlington. This time, however, the line of motorcycles was three times as long as in past years.
"We had 165 riders registered before today. We were hoping for around 300 riders total this year," said Director of Development Brad Brickel. "We ended up with over 500 bikes and about 1200 folks between the ride and the Family Fun Day at Chesapeake Harley. Seeing that many people out supporting The RAACE Foundation was just fantastic. It's given us lots to think about for next year."
Twenty-five motorcycle groups from the Mid-Atlantic area showed their support for The RAACE Foundation by coming out to the Rally. The group with the most participants and the most donations was Chesapeake H.O.G. and Touring Virginia out of Colonial Harley-Davidson in Prince George, Virginia traveled the farthest to participate, riding over 200 miles to join in The Rally for RAACE.
Sharing their foundation's message that "the only path to prevention is awareness" were RAACE Foundation Family of Drivers members Kyle Weiss, Doug Horne and Stevie Smith as well as TeamRAACE members Ashley and Brian Therien. All of the racers were out spreading awareness of child sexual abuse, signing autographs and showing off their RAACE vehicles. Meanwhile lines formed at booths at the Family Fun Day event where kids and adults alike could purchase food, get their face painted, jump on the moon bounce or challenge themselves on the Army National Guard climbing wall.
"This societal ill affects one in three girls and one in seven boys before the age of 18. There are over 39 million American survivors of child sexual abuse. We need you to do your part and talk to your children ? don't let it stop here," Founder Ken Smith spoke emotionally from the grandstand where Surreal, Soraia and Flipside entertained the crowd.
The RAACE Foundation can barely begin to thank everyone for their help, support, sponsorships, and donations to the Third Annual Rally for RAACE. However, special thanks need to be made to Doug Keim of Creative Cycles, Larry and Terri Jones of Jones Junction, Mike and Linda Nobile, Steve Ramsey of Chesapeake Harley-Davidson, Ellen Torres of St. Vincent's Center and DFC Petty of the Harford County Sheriff's Office for their assistance in preventing child sexual abuse.
Next year's Rally for RAACE will be held August 16. Check back for event details and help The RAACE Foundation make next year's event even bigger!
For more information on The RAACE Foundation, please visit www.raace.org, e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 1-800-755-KIDS.
The RAACE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating the epidemic of child sexual abuse. With the help of racers and fans, The RAACE Foundation can educate adults so no child has to suffer that silent fate. The RAACE Foundation and those who support their goal to Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere know that until every child is safe from abuse, our race has no finish line.
