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BACA poker run to raise awareness about child abuse
(by Brittany L. Browne, staff writer - May 10, 2012)
A charitable organization is gearing up for two annual events that raise awareness about the problem of child abuse.
On May 19, the Central Ohio Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) will ride 100 miles, from Powell to Martinsburg, to visit the grave site of Karen Lee.
Lee was a child abuse victim who died at age 17. She committed suicide a week before her 18th birthday.
This trip starts at the Crown Sports Pub, 9999 Sawmill Parkway, at noon.
On May 26, BACA and Crown Sports Pub co-hosts the sixth annual Karen Lee Benefit Poker Run. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the event runs between noon and 6 p.m.
There will be live music, food, a silent auction, drink specials and more.
A few stops in the poker run include popular Westside locations including, Johnny B Goods and Jay’s Sports Lounge.
Over the last six years the poker run has raised more than $40,000, said BACA member Kangel. All proceeds go toward the club’s charitable efforts.
“One thing that I enjoy about BACA is that they not only empower the children that we advocate for, but they empower their very own members as well; this helped give me a voice of my own as a child abuse survivor,” Kangel said.
Kangel believes if her sister was alive today she would be proud of the work that BACA is doing to empower the children who are victims of child abuse.
BACA creates a safe environment for abused children and follows procedures to begin the healing process, which includes providing small gifts, visiting them often and showing emotional support.
“Our process is very effective and works all over the world, we will go anywhere and do anything to empower a child,” said Red Martin, president of the Ohio Chapter of BACA.
For information on the Ohio Chapter of BACA, or to make a donation, contact Red at cenohbaca@gmail.com
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