A Local Pregnancy Counseling and Education Center Is Looking For Riders To Take a Stand Against Bullying In a “Bikers Against Bullies” Motorcycle Ride

Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity, PHD, based in Inverness, IL will hold its third Motorcycle Ride, “Bikers Against Bullies” on September 15, 2013 to raise funds for the agency’s Motivate Prevention Department which offers programs to adolescents and parents on issues such as healthy communication, relationships and bullying. “We are looking for motorcycle enthusiasts to join us for a beautiful ride through the back roads of Illinois while learning about bullying and its consequences on today’s youth,” said Jane Stephen, Director of Motivate Prevention Program at PHD.

Riders will start at the Broken Oar and ride approximately 60 miles, circling back to the Oar for an after party. Stops include Halftime, KC’s Cabin, JJ Twigs and Famous Freddies. Registration starts at 8 am. First bike out is 9 am and last bike out is 11am. Riders and passengers will enjoy a free complimentary buffet breakfast served from 8 am to 11 am, complimentary of the Broken Oar. Registration is $20 per person and includes one free patch and poker hand per bike (first 50 bikes) and free gourmet buffet breakfast. In addition to the ride, PHD is planning a prize raffle, 50/50 raffle and the chance to win cash prizes for the best poker hands. A live music by Going South will also be featured.

PHD launched "Bikers Against Bullies" Motorcycle Ride in 2011 to raise awareness and funding for the Motivate Prevention Program run by the agency. The Friendship Project, one of three Motivate programs, was started in 2008 and focuses on teaching grade school and middle school youth about recognizing bullying, protecting themselves and teaching them what it takes to be a good friend

“Bullying is a real problem for our youth,” said Stephen. “This event is crucial to helping people understand that this problem can be prevented. We can teach our kids how to build character and be good people.”

Cathy Vincus, PHD Executive Director said sponsors and raffle donors are also needed to support the agency’s fundraising efforts, “We know this is a hot issue and fortunately PHD has a program that will help. But we need support of local businesses in the form of sponsorship and product or gift card donations to really make the ride a success.”

According to officials at PHD, bullying can have devastating consequences from lowered self-esteem to poor school performance to depression. 

“Bullying can be prevented if kids are educated. Proceeds of this event will help make sure we can get in front of these kids and provide them the tools they need to stand up for themselves,” says Stephen.

 PHD offers comprehensive counseling, case management and baby closet services to women who are pregnant or parenting a child age three or younger. Counseling programs include pregnancy and decision-making, pregnancy planning, grief and loss counseling, post adoption and post abortion counseling. Women also have access to a variety of community based referrals, pregnancy testing, childbirth preparation, postpartum depression support and parenting education.

Motivate Prevention services include programs for adolescents and parents addressing issues on healthy sexual relationships and character development. In 2012 PHD Motivate Prevention Programs reached out to over 7,000 adolescents and parents.

To register for “Bikers Against Bullies” or to learn more about how you can help with  visit www.sphd.org or call (847) 359-4967 x19.