Ride will help domestic violence victims
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on September 3, 2009 1:46 PM
A motorcycle ride to raise awareness and funds for domestic violence programs in Wayne County will be held on Saturday.
This is the second year for Ride Without Fear in Goldsboro, the fourth year in the state, said organizer Kriquette Davis, associate director of Goldsboro's Family Y.
She knows firsthand of the need for domestic violence services, and about the woman in whose memory the motorcycle ride began.
Her friend Karen Crawford, or KC, lost her at the hand of a boyfriend. She died around Christmas 2005 in her Chatham County home, and her former live-in boyfriend later stood trial for the crime.
Mrs. Davis has taken on the cause in honor of her friend, traveling the state to speak about the effects of domestic violence.
In her role with the Family Y, she has become an advocate for victims of domestic violence. She also serves on boards of several local agencies affiliated with the cause.
"Wayne Uplift, in their 2007-08 report, said they served 671 families, just the domestic violence piece," she said. "We know that domestic violence has been on the increase and funding has been on the decrease. Most of the domestic violence programs in the state have lost 26 percent of their funding. That's a tremendous chunk."
Typically, the ongoing needs are for the basics -- clothes, household goods, toiletries.
Hopefully, though, at Saturday's fundraiser, money will shore up the coffers so that area shelters will have an easier year.
"Even if you don't give money, volunteer your time or talents," Mrs. Davis said. "You never know what peace you can feel helping somebody else."
Saturday's ride begins with registration at 9 a.m. at Shelton Harley Davidson. Cost is $15 per bike, $20 if a rider is also on the back.
The route, Mrs. Davis said, will include stops at Fast Eddie's, Flying Shamrock, Country Time, Heroes and Camron's, where a pig picking will be held for all participants.
Volunteers are also needed to work registration, be at each stop and help serve participants at the conclusion. Donations are being accepted for raffle items.
For more information, call 222-8483.