The Humboldt County chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse held its third annual 100-mile run and poker tournament Sunday afternoon in Eureka. B.A.C.A. members across the nation and in Australia ride their motorcycles during Child Abuse Awareness month to raise money for survivors of child abuse.

The event drew nearly 100 bikers to Redwood Acres Fairgrounds, where B.A.C.A. members and friends gathered prior to making the trip along the North Coast to Orick and then to the Bear River Casino for a high-stakes poker game, with proceeds going toward the youths B.A.C.A. aids. Vice President Mike Campbell said, “It’s one of the best turnouts I’ve seen.” B.A.C.A. is an international organization designed to create a safe environment for abused children and empower them to not be afraid by supporting them after allegations of abuse are made. According to local chapter President Frank Hunt, B.A.C.A. has worked closely with local law and child protective service agencies when reports of abuse are made and has helped in a variety of ways. Donations of clothing, toys and even leather vests with B.A.C.A. patches and pins are given to youths who are survivors of abuse. “Last Christmas volunteers from C.A.S.T., the Child Abuse Services Team, needed school supplies and toys and we stepped up and told them whatever you need, we’ll get it for you,” said Hunt. Besides providing children with toys and clothing, B.A.C.A. sets up youths with a child liaison after a recognized, authorized agency with which the child has had contact determines the child is still frightened by his or her environment. After determining the agency has contacted the authorities and the case has been processed, the liaison contacts the child’s family to set up a ride to the child’s home or another location where bikers offer the child a leather vest with a B.A.C.A. patch sewn on the back. The child is free to wear the vest or not, but the intent is to let the child know that they are not alone and they have B.A.C.A.’s support. B.A.C.A. members never go to the child’s home alone and never without the knowledge and permission of the parents. The members of B.A.C.A. take their support of victims of child abuse into the courtroom when the children in some cases must take the stand to testify against the perpetrator. The sole purpose of their physical presence is to assist the child in being less intimidated and frightened, and consequently in giving an accurate testimony regarding his or her abuse. B.A.C.A. members do not condone the use of violence in any manner. According to the B.A.C.A. mission statement, if circumstances arise such that the members of B.A.C.A. are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, they stand ready to be that obstacle. For more information on B.A.C.A, go to www.bacausa.com. Daniel Solomon/The Eureka Reporter