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Bowling Green Prepares for National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Families participating in a child abuse prevention event with teddy bears

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News Summary

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center (BRACAC) is hosting various events to raise awareness and promote community involvement in preventing child abuse. One major event, the Great Teddy Bear Run, is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and participants are encouraged to donate teddy bears for child abuse victims. BRACAC underlines the importance of ongoing community engagement in the fight against child abuse beyond just one month.

Bowling Green Gears Up for National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is here, and with it comes National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The spotlight is firmly on the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center (BRACAC), which is rolling out a series of events throughout the month aimed at raising awareness and encouraging community involvement in preventing child abuse.

Making Child Abuse Prevention a Year-Round Mission

BRACAC emphasizes that the mission of preventing child abuse is not a job for just one month of the year. The team believes that active community engagement is crucial every single day. According to BRACAC’s community outreach coordinator, a staggering 90 percent of children who suffer abuse know and trust their abuser. This alarming statistic shows just how important it is to create supportive environments where children feel safe and can speak up without fear.

Statistically, it’s noted that in every Kentucky classroom, there are roughly three children who have experienced sexual abuse. These numbers highlight the urgent need for communities to come together to combat this pressing issue. Beyond awareness, BRACAC is calling on everyone to volunteer, donate, and be vigilant about reporting suspected cases of child abuse. Every little bit helps, and together, the community can make a significant impact.

A Celebration Like No Other: The Great Teddy Bear Run

One of the most exciting events in April will be the Great Teddy Bear Run, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. Scheduled for April 26, this fantastic motorcycle ride aims to spread awareness about child abuse while also raising funds to support vital services. The ride kicks off at 9 a.m. and takes participants from the Warren County Justice Center to the iconic Harley-Davidson of Bowling Green.

Bikers need to show up with their engines roaring—kickstands go up at 11 a.m. and registration officially closes at 1 p.m. This motorcycle event, proudly sponsored by Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, promises a day full of fun with a purpose. Proceeds raised will go toward covering services not funded by grants, showcasing just how essential fundraising is for BRACAC’s mission.

Participants are encouraged to bring along new teddy bears to donate to child abuse victims. These cuddly companions provide a sense of comfort and security to children who have faced traumatic experiences.

Exciting Features for the Anniversary Ride

This year’s Great Teddy Bear Run includes some special features to celebrate its anniversary. Riders will receive a commemorative patch and even have the opportunity to get special tattoos done by a local artist. Once the ride concludes, attendees can enjoy a block party at Harley-Davidson, complete with a silent auction, local vendors, food trucks, and a DJ to keep the celebrations lively.

Registration for the ride costs $35 for a solo rider and $25 for an additional passenger. And if you register before April 17, you’re in for some awesome freebies—a t-shirt, a pin, and a swag bag to remember the day.

Community Involvement is Key

But the action isn’t limited to the Great Teddy Bear Run. Earlier this year, the Family Enrichment Center hosted the ‘Run & Walk for Children,’ which took place on March 28-29. This successful event raised over $55,000 and involved 464 participants. This fundraising run was part of the Family Enrichment Center’s ongoing efforts to combat child abuse and kicked off the month of activities surrounding Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Last year alone, the Family Enrichment Center positively impacted over 3,500 families in South Central Kentucky, demonstrating the critical role of community organizations in the fight against child abuse.

As we step into April, let’s remember that the work to protect children doesn’t stop after the month of awareness ends. Engaging with local initiatives and supporting centers like BRACAC and the Family Enrichment Center can make a difference every single day. Together, we can help create a safer future for the children in our communities.