BIKER NEWS: Waco Bikers Ride to Austin for Event Helping Victims of Child Abuse

BN- A group of local bikers are heading to Austin to raise money for victims of child abuse.

The Waco chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse or "BACA" will join other chapters across Texas in Austin Saturday for "Breaking the Chains".

The annual fundraiser raises money for the organization's "Texas Kids Campout"...a summertime camping trip for hundreds of child abuse victims.

The local 21-member BACA club works with the McLennan County District Attorney's Office and CASA to provide support for victims against their perpetrators.

Once BACA "adopts" a child, they perform a ceremony with them, providing them a teddy bear and a biker vest like theirs. BACA members will take the child under their wing, doing "drive bys" to their home to check-in with them, go to court to show them support in the courtroom, and if a case is serious enough they will even stand guard in front of a child's home or escort them to school for protection if needed.

All BACA members statewide go through background checks. None of Waco's members are part of any other motorcycle clubs.

The chapter's President said they empower kids not to be afraid.

"It's rewarding, it's sad at the same time, but rewarding," said Eddie "Pumbaa" Bowden, Waco BACA Chapter President. "When you see a perp go away or when you see a child step-up and say I'm not afraid, that's our paycheck, 'cuz we're a completely volunteer organization, nobody in this organization gets paid, that's our paycheck is what we call it."

The Waco chapter will ride to Austin Saturday morning for the afternoon event at Cowboy Harley-Davidson which features a dunking booth, silent auction, live music, roller derby, and biker games.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of. All the money raised will cover next year's children's campout.

The group will hold a local fundraiser in October.

More: http://www.kcentv.com/story/30120403/waco-bikers-ride-to-austin-for-event-helping-victims-of-child-abuse