Bikers ride to support abused children

Off the Wire
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Motorcyclists from around Kansas gathered to ride en masse on Saturday to call attention to child abuse and the need to put it to an end.

Members of Bikers Against Child Abuse stopped in Emporia as part of an annual ride done on the last Saturday in April — National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

BACA International secretary Lucy Villa and Lane “Joker” Ferraro of the Southeast Kansas BACA Chapter were among about 40 riders who pulled in late Saturday morning at Golden Corral, where other motorcyclists were scheduled to join them later for the Annual 100-Mile Ride.

“That’s what it’s called,” Villa said. “We usually end up riding about 300 miles.”

Villa and Ferraro talked about the organization’s work to put an end to child abuse, and to work with and help protect children who already have been abused.

The organization was founded in 1995 by John Paul “Chief” Lilly, a licensed clinical social worker, registered play therapist/supervisor, and part-time faculty member at Brigham Young University.

Most of Lilly’s professional life had been spent treating abused children.

According to materials provided by Villa and Ferraro, Lilly realized that the system offered much to help a child’s healing process, but shortcoming and limitations remained in keeping the children safe.

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