CULLMAN – On the morning of Saturday, August 29, motorcyclists will depart the parking lot of Harley-Davidson’s Huntsville location on a state-long journey to raise funds and awareness for foster children throughout Alabama and the U.S.
Cindy Colvin, Director of Royal Family Kids Camp 218 in Huntsville, initiated the Stop the Abuse Awareness Ride, or S.T.A.A.R.
“Royal Family Kids Camp,” said Colvin, “gives foster kids the opportunity to participate in traditional summer camp experiences that they would otherwise not be able to be exposed to.”
When asked what gave her the idea for a motorcycle ride through the state of Alabama, Colvin said it was born out of necessity.
“We went through the governor’s office, actually, and asked if there was any organization or annual event that brings awareness or raises funds for foster children in the state,” Colvin said. “There was nothing, so we decided to do it ourselves.”
According to Colvin, there were 5,000 children in foster care in the state of Alabama last year. Also according to Colvin, 7,000 children were able to participate in Royal Family Kids Camps throughout the world.
“We actually received a commendation from the governor for our efforts in initiating this event,” Colvin said.
Riders pay $40 to participate in the trek that will begin in Huntsville, Ala. and conclude in Gulf Shores. All money raised will go directly to supporting the children of Camp 218.
“We’re all volunteers,” Colvin said. “I don’t say that to brag or anything, but to say that we’re not going to be getting any of this money. It’s all for the kids; it goes straight for them.”
A rider's $40 donation gets him or her a patch commemorating the event, along with a lunch in Pelham, Ala.
“From Pelham the riders can choose to continue on to Gulf Shores with us, or they can stop there,” Colvin said. “We chose Pelham because it’s kind of a middle area of the state.”
Colvin went on to reiterate that the funds go to children, most of which have been abandoned and, or, abused in some way.
Registration for the event is open at Palmerdale.RoyalFamilyKids.org, and Cullman residents can join in the ride when it passes through this Saturday.
