Thanks to Hollywood, bikers tend to be associated with drug crimes, prostitution rings and violent parties. Although this may be true in some cases, the reality is that not all bikers are scary guys with huge beards, a total disregard for the law, and even bigger tempers. Many bikers are nothing more than law-abiding citizens people who love their families and enjoy their motorcycles. And, in the case of the Clio Eagle Riders, they brought those two passions together and hosted an event aimed at fundraising to end child abuse.

The “No Excuse For Child Abuse” charity poker run was held on Saturday, August 12th in support of the Weiss Child Advocacy Center. According to their Facebook event page, the Clio Eagles planned to start and end their 101.3 mile run at their clubhouse in Clio, but planned to make five stops between there, which they listed as:

1st Stop: Shiawassee Sports Center

2nd Stop: The Tool Shed Pub and Grub

3rd Stop: Iron Horse Bar and Grill

4th Stop: Colwood Bar

5th Stop: Vassar Eagles Club

For other bikers hoping to ride with them for the day, the group was charging $20 per rider and $15 per passenger. For those who chose not to ride but were hoping to attend the event that followed, the cost was only $10. The proceeds were collected and given to the Weiss Child Advocacy Centre, where the focus is on helping children recover from abuse, and supporting families during times of need.

After the ride, the No Excuse For Child Abuse event was held at the Clio Eagles club in Vienna Township. Numerous bands performed, a pig roast filled everyone’s bellies, and prizes were handed out for the Chinese raffle and 50/50 drawing. Debby Hurd, who organized the event, explained the motivation behind the event to the media.”With the stats that go on with the physically abused children, the numbers are outrageous, we have to support our children.”

For those of you who may never have attended a poker run and might be confused about what it is, it’s an organized event where participants visit several checkpoints, usually five to seven, and draw a playing card at each one. The idea is to see who has the best poker hand at the end of the run.

Although the Weiss Centre provides many different services for child who are victims of abuse, they also acknowledge the importance of prevention. In the words of their site, “Prevention wears many faces and must occur in many places to be effective.” This includes educating parents, training sessions for professionals, safe sleep presentations, and community resources. The goal, they say, is to help those who have already suffered, and avoid future suffering where possible.