Riding against child abuse

Tom Drumm, Oswego, has been riding with the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Oswego’s annual “Blue Ribbon Ride: Against Child Abuse" since the beginning.

“This is the best day we’ve had in years,” said Drumm regarding the weather.

Pam, Drumm’s wife, gave her compliments to the CAC for their work.

“I’ve been affiliated with them for years. It’s a great organization. They do great work,” she said.

The event was scheduled to start at 10 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m. The ride itself covered approximately 80 miles of scenic route through Oswego County. The bikers started at Sweet Inspirations Drive In located in Fulton. It ended there with a chicken barbeque for the participants.

During the barbeque there was live entertainment provided by Paul Taylor. There were also raffles and a grand prize of two Kenny Chesney concert tickets. David Rice, from Martville, won the tickets. Rice has been with the ride for about 3 years.

The ride was sponsored by members from the CAC, local bike clubs, community volunteers and concerned business owners. Some of these sponsors include, Wheel-A-Way Motorsports, Cayuga Security and Investigation Inc., Sweet Inspirations Drive In, Slice-N-Go Deli, and the Paul Taylor Band.

Other sponsors included board members, the sheriff’s department, local police departments, and the volunteer firefighters in the area.

“This is a very noble thing,” said Deputy Matt Bray, of the Fulton Police as the ride started.

“With the demand for our services increasing, we are looking to make this our most successful ‘Blue Ribbon Ride’ ever,” said Olivia VanSanford, the Executive Director at the CAC.

The CAC is a non-profit organization that works hand-in-hand with local law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, medical providers, therapy providers, and victim advocacy professionals in Oswego County to protect and serve child victims of sexual and physical abuse.

“It is becoming increasingly more difficult to for us to meet the increase for treatment,” said VanSanford.

“Our goal with the ‘Blue Ribbon Ride’ is not only raise awareness of child abuse in Oswego County, but also help us raise much needed funds to help us to continue to serve our community as a resource for children and families touched by this abuse,” VanSanford said.

With the anticipation of approximately 150 bikers showing, the actual number of 35 was a let down. Some of the bikers came from as far away as Alexandria Bay to show their support of the CAC.

Michelle Moon, 18, from Oswego, who was riding with her parents was one of the few bikers.

“I drove past a sign a couple days ago and thought it would be a good ride,” said Moon.

“We are grateful to the volunteers on our planning committee for their dedication to the children in this county. Many free services are provided to the victims that come to the CAC and without the support of the community we would not be able to help these children,” said VanSanford.

By Alisha Tondro, Contributing writer for The Scotsman Pennysaver

Published in September 2009 in Syracuse, NY