Jimmy Bernardo Memorial Ride Celebrates 20th Year
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The 20th annual Jimmy’s Ride to benefit victims of child abuse will be held on Saturday, July 25.
This annual event is held in memory of Pittsfield native Jimmy Bernardo. Jimmy was born Aug. 13, 1978, and was abducted from a local movie theater on Oct. 20, 1990. A month later, his body was found in Ithaca, N.Y. Three and a half years later, the Bernardo family was able to find peace for Jimmy; the Pittsfield Police captured a suspect when he tried to abduct another young girl in Pittsfield who eventually pled guilty to murdering Jimmy and is serving life in prison.
“Jimmy was a tough kid that didn't let anyone mess with him. To know that his abduction could happen to him means that it can happen to any child, weak or strong,” said Rob Bernardo, Jimmy’s brother and one of the event organizers. “Jimmy's Ride has raised over $300,000 in 19 years to raise money and awareness among the community that child abuse is a major issue in Berkshire County. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my brother and the life that was taken from him 24 years ago. To know that his name lives on to help with such a great cause gives me a sense of pride that I hold dear to my heart.”
Registration for motorcycles will begin at 9 a.m. at the lot across from Berkshire County Kids’ Place, located at 63 Wendell Ave. Bikes will leave Kids’ Place at 11 a.m. and end at Bousquet Ski Area for the post ride event from noon until 6 p.m. with food, music, drink, and fun. It is open to the public for a cover charge of $5 per person/$20 for family (up to two adults and four kids). This is a family friendly event and kids are welcome. Bousquet is offering a discounted rate of $10 for the water park for anyone wearing a Jimmy’s Ride wristband.
Musical entertainment will be provided by five local favorites; Red Handed at noon, Wykyd at 1:15 p.m., Shyne at 2:30 p.m., Blackwater at 3:45 p.m. and wrapping it up at 5 p.m. with Whiskey City. A portion of the proceeds from the food and drink sold benefit the event.
Berkshire County Kids’ Place is also holding its annual raffle with three great prizes: First Place gets $1,000 cash, Second Place gets EMC Club Red Sox Tickets with parking on Sept. 8 from Toole Insurance, and Third Place is a 42” High Definition TV from Schilling TV. Tickets are $5 each, 3 for $10 or 10 for $20 and available for purchase at Berkshire County Kids’ Place located on 63 Wendell Ave. in Pittsfield, or can be purchased the day of the event while supplies last. The drawing for the raffle will be at the event just before Whiskey City takes the stage at 5 p.m.
The Berkshire County Kids’ Place is a Children’s Advocacy Center providing intervention, prevention and treatment services for victims of child abuse and family violence in Berkshire County.
“Berkshire County Kids’ Place is a place where child victims of abuse are heard. For over two decades, the work of Kids’ Place has flourished as a collaborative community-based organization supported by individuals and a wide range of community organizations and social service agencies. It is crucial that children and families that experience trauma receive the mental health services they need to overcome their trauma symptoms and heal,” said Christa Collier, Program Director of Kids’ Place. “Just last year, we served over 400 children with mental health services. This need rises steadily because mandated reporters are reporting suspected child abuse to authorities”.
For more information on the 20th annual Jimmy’s Ride, contact Berkshire County Kids’ Place at 413-499-2800, ext 114.
Tags: benefit, child abuse,
