LAKE COUNTY — More than 50 motorcyclists joined in the “Ride for Life” last weekend. The run, which ended with food, music and entertainment at Lakeshore Inn in Clearlake, was held on Saturday in benefit of Lake County”s at-risk children.
Bikers from all shreds of life joined in the effort to raise money for Lake County Community Action Agency”s current Safe House project. Groups with a focus on child welfare, abuse prevention and Christian faith participated in the ride.
“It”s great to see such widespread support ? from Humboldt to the San Francisco Bay Area ? these people are here to help the children of Lake County,” said Lakeshore Inn owner and ride sponsor Wes Walker.
“It”s a special day for Lake County children,” Walker”s wife Donna added. “If I could help every child out there that needs someone, I certainly would.”
Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) traveled all the way from Humboldt to join the pack, which rode from Lakeport to Clearlake Saturday morning. BACA works in conjunction with local and state officials to protect children against abuse. “BACA is a terrific organization,” said Wes Walker. “They fight child abuse from bullying in the schools to abuse in the home. It”s an honor to have them here supporting the children of our community.”
North Bay Motorcycle Association (NBMA) was also well-represented. Vic McManus, who participated in the Blue Heron Run last summer, said Saturday”s run was a wonderful event all around. “This has been flawless,” he said. “Wes and Donna did a great job and next year”s going to be even better. The Brick (in Kelseyville) was good; they handled the crowd well, then on to Richmond Park – everything just flowed.”
McManus added that he hopes the NBMA”s Lucky 7 run goes just as well next weekend. The ride will be held on Saturday, out of Twin Pines Casino in Middletown. NBMA consistently contributes to various child-welfare events in Lake County, including Arbor Education”s annual Christmas program.
Vagos motorcycle club and the Christian Motorcyclists Association also participated in raising money for the Safe House.
“Kids need to be taken care of. If we aren”t taking care of our children we are not taking care of our future,” said Donna Walker. “The more education and strength we instill in our kids the stronger our future.
“I”m thankful that my husband and I were given an opportunity to contribute to a program that will help so many of our children,” Mrs. Walker continued. “Love and hugs ? that”s my motto. Every child needs lots of love and lots of hugs!”
The Walkers reported that the “Ride for Life” raised more than $1000 for the safe house project. The afternoon”s music was provided by the “Lost Coast Smugglers.”
The Safe House of Lake County will provide a short-term residence and a comprehensive program of services for runaway, homeless and “throwaway” youth younger than 18 years. The program will serve youth throughout Lake County. According to LCCAA Executive Director Georgina Lehne, this will be the first safe house for at-risk children in the history of Lake County.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
