The 13th annual Bikers For Babies event is set to take place on August 24, with participants gathering to support the Pregnancy Care Center, a pro-life crisis pregnancy center located in Martinsville. This event, which includes a scenic ride into Franklin County before ending on Joseph Martin Highway, is open to drivers of all types of vehicles.
The Pregnancy Care Center provides vital support to women facing pregnancy crises. “It is a pro-life pregnancy center that offers prenatal care, ultrasounds, counseling, and parenting classes,” explained Patrick Rusmisel, a key supporter of the event. The center also assists with baby furniture, clothing, and provides information about adoption for expectant mothers, offering all services at no cost.
Rusmisel emphasized the center’s commitment to supporting mothers throughout their journey. “It’s not like having your baby and we will leave you alone. We help you through this crisis, and part of that is having a baby,” he said, highlighting the center’s goal of saving the lives of unborn babies. “We don’t believe in abortion.”
The Bikers For Babies ride welcomes all types of vehicles, including motorcycles, trucks, and even larger vehicles like tractor-trailers, which have participated in previous years. Rusmisel noted that the event typically draws around 150 participants.
Both Rusmisel and his wife, Patsy Anderson-Rusmisel, are deeply committed to this cause, driven by their personal experiences. “We just have a passion for it because we couldn’t have children of our own,” Rusmisel said. They find abortions heartbreaking and believe that many families would be eager to adopt.
The two became involved with the Pregnancy Care Center when Patsy Rusmisel joined the board in the early 2010s. Recognizing the center’s financial needs, the Rusmisels were inspired to create this fundraising event, drawing on the success of similar charity events.
While participants pay to join the ride, the event’s primary funding comes from corporate sponsors. Local businesses like Bassett Furniture, Absolute Machine Enterprises, and Walsh’s Chicken & More have supported the event in past years. Several local churches also contribute by securing volunteers, and the Martinsville Sheriff’s Department provides an escort for the bikers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride that lasts approximately an hour and a half.
Drivers interested in participating can register online at www.mhcbikersforbabies.com/registration. The registration fees are $10 for single riders, $15 for riders with passengers, and $20 for carloads. The fee includes lunch, which is served after the ride.
In addition to the ride, participants can look forward to door prizes and an auction, with all proceeds benefiting the Pregnancy Care Center. The center is open Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for women experiencing a pregnancy crisis.
