April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month as well as Chesapeake Harley-Davidson’s Birthday. It is a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect as well as a time to encourage individuals and communities to secure our children’s future. It is also the time to Pre-Register for the Fourth Annual Rally for RAACE.

Increasing public awareness of the need to ensure the safety and welfare of children led to the passage of the first Federal child protection legislation, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), in 1974. April of 1983 was proclaimed the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since then, child abuse and neglect awareness activities have been promoted across the country during April of each year. The Office on Child Abuse and Neglect (OCAN) coordinates Child Abuse Prevention Month, providing information and releasing updated national statistics about child abuse and neglect each April.

Sadly, child sexual abuse is often referred to as a silent epidemic. It was announced that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused before the age of 18, while only 1 in 10 victims tells of their abuse. There are over 39 million survivors in the United States today. Yet the subject of child sexual abuse remains taboo and therefore thrives in the shadows of society. The RAACE Foundation a 501(c)3 organization was created in response to the knowledge that child sexual abuse is tragically destructive, all too common, and totally preventable. The RAACE Foundation (Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere) hopes to lessen the social stigma surrounding Child Sexual Abuse through awareness campaigns and the distribution of educational materials.

2009 marks the fourth running of The Rally for RAACE. On Sunday, August 16th, a police escorted 53-mile motorcycle ride will take a beautifully scenic tour through Harford County, Maryland. This immense natural area bordered by southern Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna River has been largely preserved for agriculture. The ride, once again starting at Jones Junction in Bel Air will go through picturesque landscapes, sprawling horse farms, rambling hills, and expansive wood-scapes before finishing at the huge family fun day at Chesapeake Harley-Davidson in Darlington.

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, with the greatest individual contribution coming from Joe Sweitzer of Jones Junction. That day over 500 riders took part in the RALLY and more than 1200 people enjoyed the sun filled festivities at the Family Fun Day. "My heart was so full to see all those people out there who wanted to help make a difference," said Programs and Services Director Vickie Brooks.

"Last year we had 165 riders receive a cool Rally for RAACE event tee shirt which could only be had if you pre-registered" said Director of Development Brad Brickel. “With over 500 riders last year we had many people wishing they had pre-registered. Same as last year, the only way to get your cool Rally for RAACE tee this year is to pre-register, with one added bonus. This year every rider who pre-registers will also receive breakfast courtesy of Baltimore’s Panache Cuisine. That’s quite a bargain when you look at it – a $20 Tee shirt and a $10 breakfast for free and all you have to do is pre-register, that’s amazing!” Brickel added.

The second opportunity to pre-register for the 2009 Rally for RAACE will be on the 18th and 19th of April, as The RAACE Foundation commemorates Child Abuse Prevention Month at Chesapeake Harley-Davidson’s Birthday Bash. It’s been over one full year that “The Big Red Barn” has been doing everything motorcycle for those in the Harford & Cecil County areas and beyond. Activities that weekend include: awareness activities, pit beef, live music, demo rides, discounts and more fun for the entire family.

Yet the roar of the engines, the huge stars and stripes, and the good cheer of Harley enthusiasts can’t eliminate the pain of a child suffering from sexual abuse. But with the help of riders, racers, fans, and organizations like Chesapeake Harley-Davidson, The RAACE Foundation can educate adults so no other child has to suffer the same 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 RAACE has no finish line.

For more information on The RAACE Foundation please visit www.raace.org, on myspace at www.myspace.com/theraacefoundation or by calling 1-800-755-kids. Chesapeake Harley-Davidson is conveniently located off Route 1 about one mile south of the Conowingo dam in Darlington, MD and can be found at www.chesapeakehd.com.