Fall River’s Saint Vincent’s Services looking to renovate/upgrade to help children in their care; here is how you can help

FALL RIVER—Saint Vincent’s Services will hold its 19th Annual Motorcycle Run presented by Preferred Concrete Corp. on Sunday, September 15th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Last year’s event drew in 200 riders and spectators and raised $20,000 for their community garden efforts. This year’s event is on track to be even bigger!

“Since 2006, our Bike Run has given the community an opportunity to support the work we do and have fun while doing so. Whether the riders have been with us since our first Bike Run or are new to us, we certainly appreciate their assistance in making a difference in the lives of the children at Saint Vincent’s,” said Kathryn Dow, Human Resources Coordinator and Motorcycle Run Committee Chairperson.

Funds raised will assist with renovating and upgrading the on-site gymnasium used for physical education and therapeutic recreation by youth entrusted to the care of Saint Vincent’s Services congregate care placement programs (emergency and intermediate residential stays for youth with behavioral or complex clinical needs) and Behavioral Health Clinic. The renovated gym project will create a multi-purpose space with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and facilities to accommodate all ages and physical abilities. The project is projected to cost $200,000 and will better serve the physical and mental health needs of young individuals.

“We are excited to welcome everyone out this fall for our annual motorcycle run. Whether you ride a Harley, Yamaha, Kawasaki, or anything in between, all bikes are welcome. Funds raised will help us transform our aging gym into a bright, modern facility our kids deserve,” said Katie Dawkins, Director of Donor Relations and Fundraising.

The signature event will start rain or shine at 2425 Highland Avenue in Fall River, with kick-stands up promptly at 10:00 a.m. The Massachusetts State Police will escort riders along a 45-mile scenic ride as they travel through the back roads of Fall River, Assonet, Berkley, Lakeville, and Somerset and end with a BBQ reception at Saint Vincent’s Services.

Tickets for riders, passengers, and attendees are available on Saint Vincent’s Services website (www.SaintVincentsServices.org) or can be purchased on the morning of the Bike Run. For questions, please contact Katie Dawkins, Director of Donor Relations and Fundraising, at (508) 235-3228 or email kdawkins@stvservices.org.

Established in 1885 by the Diocese of Fall River as an orphanage staffed by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Vincent’s Services today is a separately incorporated entity, a 501(C)(3) accredited by the Council on Accreditation. Saint Vincent’s is a multi-service behavioral health and child welfare trauma treatment organization serving over 1,000 children, adolescents, and families annually throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Fall River. Saint Vincent’s Services’ Mission Statement is “We are committed to providing safe, comprehensive care for children, families, and our community through specialized services that build trust, encourage acceptance, and inspire hope.”