Bikers For Babies MHC will return Aug. 22 for its 15th annual charity ride, raising money for the Pregnancy Care Center in Martinsville.
The annual event raises thousands of dollars to support the center and provide assistance to expectant and new mothers. This year’s ride will have a new starting location at the Pregnancy Care Center, 314 Fairy St. Extension, Martinsville.
“I have heard from groups in Roanoke that are coming. We have also made contact with a group out of Danville that is coming, and we have a group out of Walnut Cove (North Carolina) that is coming,” Rusmisel said.
The route will remain the same, with the ride ending at the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, where a free lunch will be served. Riders will be served grilled chicken from Floyd and pork barbecue from Little Pork Shop in Eden, North Carolina.
“Instead of starting in Uptown Martinsville, we can start at the Pregnancy Center. Now our participants will see what they are supporting,” Rusmisel said.
“Our event only benefits the local Pregnancy Care Center. Each Care Net center facility operates independently from the others,” Rusmisel said.
The event raised $10,000 last year, which Rusmisel said was its largest total to date.
“That was our greatest year, yet we are hoping to eclipse it this year,” he said.
Rusmisel said the event is intended to support young women facing unplanned pregnancies.
“Teen pregnancy happens more often than it should in America, so the resources for that young woman who has found herself in a crisis are limited,” he said.
Rusmisel said the Pregnancy Care Center seeks to provide women with resources and support as they wrestle with questions.
“Do I keep this child or do I abort this child? Well, we are going to help her keep this child because the other option is not a feasible option,” he said.
The center offers pregnancy tests and sonogram screenings and received a second sonogram machine this year.
Executive Director Paula Wood is a nurse practitioner, and the center’s services are offered at no cost to clients, according to Rusmisel.
“These are volunteers. There are only a few people on the payroll,” Rusmisel said.
He said the center works to ensure women receive the care they need.
“They will not turn a woman away who needs help,” he said.
Rusmisel also discussed abortion rates and public policy.
“I’ve talked to a lot of people who claim to be pro-choice. They will never acknowledge the birth of the child as a choice,” Rusmisel said, adding that he wants the center to provide another option for women facing difficult circumstances.
“We have to give an option to the young lady that doesn’t have a lot of options. I can’t change the law, but if I can make a place that gives that other option, I will do everything I can to make it happen, all my treasure, all my time,” Rusmisel said.
The center also helps mothers who are considering adoption.
Door prizes and giveaways are planned as part of the event, including offerings from Blu Tattoo, New Moon Tattoo, Queen Ann’s Revenge, Winston Avenue Social Club and Ancient Art.
Artwork from Rust & Chrome in Stoneville, North Carolina, will also be auctioned.
The ride will begin at the Pregnancy Care Center at 10 a.m. Aug. 22, with kickstands up at noon. Lunch is included with registration and will be served after the ride.
Registration is available for a donation of the participant’s choice at the event or online.
For more information or to register, visit mhcbikersforbabies.com/registration.
Bikers For Babies MHC will hold its 15th annual charity ride Aug. 22, with proceeds benefiting the Pregnancy Care Center in Martinsville. The ride begins at 10 a.m. at the center, with kickstands up at noon.
