The 13th annual Bikers For Babies event will take place on August 24. Participants will gather to support the Pregnancy Care Center, a crisis center for pregnant women who are experiencing life crises and is based in Martinsville. This event, which includes a scenic ride into Franklin County before ending on Joseph Martin Highway, is open to drivers of all vehicle types.
The Pregnancy Care Center provides critical support to women in pregnancy crisis. “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 helps with baby furniture and clothing and provides adoption information to expectant mothers. All services are free.
Rusmisel emphasized the center’s commitment to supporting mothers throughout their lives. “It’s not like we’re going to leave you alone when you have your baby. We’re going to help you through this crisis, and part of that is having a baby,” he said, emphasizing 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 semi-trailers, which have participated in past years. Rusmisel noted that the event typically draws about 150 participants.
Both Rusmisel and his wife, Patsy Anderson-Rusmisel, are passionate about the cause, driven by their personal experiences. “We’re just passionate about it because we couldn’t have children of our own,” Rusmisel said. They find abortion heartbreaking and believe many families would love to adopt children.
The two became involved with the Pregnancy Care Center when Patsy Rusmisel joined the board in the early 2010s. The Rusmisels recognized the center’s financial need and were inspired by the success of similar charitable events to create this fundraiser.
While participants pay to participate in the ride, the event is primarily funded by corporate sponsors. Local businesses such as Bassett Furniture, Absolute Machine Enterprises and Walsh’s Chicken & More have supported the event in past years. Several local churches also contribute by providing volunteers, and the Martinsville Sheriff’s Department provides an escort for the bikers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride that lasts about an hour and a half.
Riders interested in participating can register online at www.mhcbikersforbabies.com/registration. The registration fee is $10 for solo riders, $15 for riders with passengers, and $20 for car groups. The fee includes lunch, which will be served after the ride.
In addition to the trip, participants can look forward to prizes and an auction, the proceeds of which will benefit the Pregnancy Care Center. The center is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for women in a pregnancy crisis.
