Motorcycle ride will raise money for domestic violence victims
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on September 3, 2008 1:45 PM
A motorcycle ride to raise awareness -- and funds -- for domestic violence will be held in Goldsboro Sept. 13. KC's third annual "Ride Without Fear" originated after a local woman's friend was found murdered at the hand of her boyfriend.
Kriquette Davis, associate director of Goldsboro's Family Y, had befriended Karen Crawford years before. But nothing could prepare her for the news she received shortly after Christmas 2005 that Miss Crawford had been killed in her Chatham County home and a boyfriend would later stand trial for the crime.
For the past two years, a memorial event has been held in Raleigh. The first ride raised $10,000 for a resource center in Durham in Ms. Crawford's name.
This year the ride expands to Goldsboro, with another planned for the western part of the state.
"This is an event that is near and dear to my heart as it is in honor of my friend 'KC' Crawford who lost her life as a result of domestic violence," Mrs. Davis said.
Since her friend's death, Mrs. Davis has traveled the state speaking out about the effects of domestic violence, not only on the victims but their families and friends.
"Domestic violence affects one in four people and we can make a difference," she said. "So far in 2008, there have been 65 homicides in the state. Too many lives have been lost."
Hosting a local ride, she says, is a "perfect way to help increase awareness. What I'm trying to do is make sure that (Karen) didn't die in vain."
Saturday's ride starts at Shelton's Harley-Davidson, with registration from 9-10 a.m. Riders will depart at 10:30 with a police escort, making five stops, ending at Vista Motor Sales, followed by a pig picking.
A suggested charitable donation of $15 per person, $20 for those with a passenger, is requested.
The event will be held rain or shine.
Volunteers are also needed, Mrs. Davis said, helping with registration and at each stop, as well as serving food at the ride's end.
And all proceeds will benefit Wayne Uplift Domestic Violence program.
For more information on the event, contact Mrs. Davis at 222-8483.