Macomb, Illinois, June 25, 2021 – A record number of people came together on Saturday, June 19, to participate in Silvie’s Ride Against Child Abuse. The annual fundraising event is held to collect donations for Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA) Victim Services. This year, thanks to the generous support of attendees, local businesses and organizations, $21,228 was raised to help survivors of abuse who are served by the agency.
“It was heartwarming to see so many people come together in memory of Silvie and in support of survivors,” said Victim Services Public Relations Manager Jamie Roth. “Thanks to this fundraiser, our Victim Services counselors and advocates will be able to help a lot of survivors with starting their healing journey.”
Silvie’s Ride Against Child Abuse is an annual event that is held in memory of five-year-old Silven “Silvie” Yocum and in memory of all children who have witnessed and experienced abuse. Silvie became a fatal victim of domestic abuse in September 2006. Members of Silvie’s family and the Knights Motorcycle Riding Club host the annual day-long event at the Macomb Elks Lodge. Riders left the Elks Lodge as a group and traveled to several pre-determined locations in Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, and Warren counties to raise awareness. The public was also invited to support the cause by purchasing breakfast or bidding on items in the silent auction. Backdraft BBQ of Prairie City provided dinner to the riders when they returned to the Elks Lodge. All donations went directly to Silvie’s Fund at Victim Services to provide free counselling and advocacy to local child and adult survivors of abuse.
This year’s donation total was boosted thanks to the efforts of Tim Weaver of Weaver Guns & Ammo. He hosted a gun raffle prior to the event and raised $10,000 for Silvie’s Fund. “We were stunned when we found out how much Weaver was able to raise in such a short period of time,” said Roth. “We are so grateful that he was moved to do this additional fundraiser in memory of Silvie and to help survivors.”
Donations are accepted year-round. Supporters are welcome to donate by mailing a check to WIRC-CAA Victim Services, PO Box 157, Macomb, IL 61455, or by credit card at wirpc.org/donate/.
For more information about Silvie’s Ride, find “Silvie’s Ride Against Child Abuse” on Facebook or call Kathleen Yocum at 309-255-0301.
If you have experienced abuse at any point in your life, or if you think someone you know is being abused, call Victim Services’ free and confidential crisis hotline at 309-837-5555.