The Beloved Teddy Bear Run Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary
Published 1:51 pm Monday, March 3, 2025
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- Motorcyclists prepare to embark on a 13-mile journey from the Warren County Justice Center to the Bowling Green Harley-Davidson for the Great Teddy Bear Run on April 27, 2024. Brought together by an impressive number of riders this year, the event is in support of the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center, which aids child abuse victims. This year’s run is set for April 26. (Grace Ramey/grace.ramey@bgdailynews.com)
The Great Teddy Bear Run by the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center is returning for its 25th year on April 26, aiming to raise awareness about child abuse and provide support for local children.
Sponsored by Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, the 13-mile group ride kicks off with registration at 9 a.m. at the Warren County Justice Center, concluding at 1 p.m. at Harley-Davidson of Bowling Green. The ride officially begins at 11 a.m.
Sabrina Durbin, outreach coordinator for BRACAC, mentioned that the ride serves as a fundraising opportunity, covering crucial services not financed by grants.
“These fundraisers are essential,” she emphasized.
BRACAC operates in Bowling Green, extending its services to ten surrounding counties.
“It’s a sanctuary for children and families seeking assistance following disclosures of sexual abuse,” Durbin explained. “Funds raised support these services, ensuring that costs don’t become a barrier for families during such a traumatic time.”
Some free services provided include victim advocacy, medical examinations, forensic interviews, and trauma-focused therapy.
Riders are encouraged to bring new teddy bears to attach to their motorcycles, which will be donated to child abuse victims for comfort.
In honor of the event’s 25th anniversary, new features have been introduced, such as a commemorative patch available for riders and a tattoo artist at Harley-Davidson offering special tattoos, including a teddy bear design for the occasion.
“There are many exciting elements this year,” Durbin noted. “However, the highlight remains the motorcycle ride itself, complete with a police escort through the city. It promises to be a delightful day.”
The ride concludes with a block party at Harley-Davidson featuring a silent auction, raffle, DJ, vendors, food trucks, and dessert trucks.
Online registration ends on April 22, with all sign-ups prior to April 17 receiving an event t-shirt, pin, and swag bag.
The pre-registration fee is $35 for a single rider, with an additional $25 for a passenger.
All attendees will have the opportunity to engage in fundraising efforts.
For more details and to register, please visit bracac.org.
I hail from Owensboro and graduated from Owensboro High School. I earned my degree in print journalism from Murray State University in 1994. I’ve been residing in Bowling Green and working at the paper since my graduation.
