News-Sun photo by KATARA SIMMONS
More than 200 motorcyclists took part in the ÔBaby K' Run for Child Abuse Awareness on Saturday to help raise money for the Highlands County Children's Services Foundation and to raise awarenes about child abuse.
advertisement
published: Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Saturday's 'Baby K' run a success
By TREY CHRISTY
trey.christy@newssun.com
SEBRING -- Organizers of the "Baby K" Run for Child Abuse Awareness are calling Saturday's event a success, and a great deal of that success is thanks to support from the community.
"I would like to thank the community for all their help with this and the volunteers who jumped in and did what they know well," said organizer Vicki Tretter. "It takes a lot of people a lot of time to do this to help someone else."
The event was put on in memory of Kaedyn Short, also known as "Baby K," the 22-month-old little girl who died May 27, nearly two months after allegedly being abused by Avon Park Police Officer James Parker III.
More than 200 bikers showed up for the Saturday morning event, which raised money for the Highlands County Children's Services Foundation.
"This was more than what we originally thought. I was very pleased with the turnout considering the heat," Tretter said. "It was extremely hot out there, and the ones that did brave the heat and got out there and did it, it was awesome."
The run drew bikers from both inside the county and around the state. A group from Orlando, called Bikers Against Child Abuse, showed up with about 10 riders, while other groups from Clewiston and Alachua County showed up to join in on the fun.
Though the ride most likely raised a few thousand dollars, Tretter said she doesn't like to quote numbers in the paper.
"We basically say we did well, and we did," she said. "I know there are a lot that already donated directly to the Children Services Foundation."
For the $10 participation fee, lunch was provided for the 200 riders, but nearly all of it was donated.
The Wild Turkey Tavern, Duffers Sports Grille, Woody's BBQ, Sonny's Barbecue and the Blue Crab all helped by supplying food.
"Our community pulled together on this, especially the donations as far as food," Tretter said.
An estimated 20 volunteers spent their time at the stops across the county and cooking the food, all contributing to a smooth event.
"There's a lot of people to thank in making the run successful," Tretter said.
RSS News Feed 
Follow Us On Twitter 
News-Sun Facebook Fan Page