PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County Kids' Place and Violence Prevention Center hosts the 28th Annual Jimmy's Ride on Saturday, Aug. 5. 

 

The ride starts at Kids' Place, 63 Wendell Ave., with registration at 8:30 a.m. and kickstands going up at 11. Rider registration is $25. 

 

The hourlong ride crosses into New York State via Routes 20 and 22, back into Massachusetts on Routes 2 and 7, and ends at Tavern at the A, 303 Crane Ave., for Jimmy's After Party

 

The free afterparty starts at noon with live music by Justin and Rizo, The Pug and John Show, and Holly Slade, and a 50/50 raffle, food and drink for purchase. All proceeds support Kids' Place, which has offices in North Adams, Pittsfield and Great Barrington. The children's advocacy center has for 30 years helped thousands of children and families heal from abuse and domestic violence. All services are free. Visit KidsPlaceOnline.org for more information on keeping kids safe.  

 

For 28 years, Jimmy's parents Mary and Ron Bernardo, brother Rob, countless family members, and friends have kept his memory alive by supporting Kids' Place. Jimmy, a Pittsfield native, was abducted near a movie theater on Oct. 22, 1990. A month later, the 12-year-old's body was found in Ithaca, N.Y. 

 

"It's hard to believe this is the 28th Jimmy's Ride! We remember when we were approached by Kids' Place founders [retired Police Detective] Joe [Collias] and Tim [Shugrue, now Berkshire County district attorney] regarding the idea of creating a centralized location where child victims of violence could receive support and services in a comfortable environment. 

 

"Here we are 30 years later on the 28th ride and Kids' Place is going strong. It has meant so much to us that Kids' Place has allowed Jimmy's memory to live on in so many hearts and allowed his name to be associated with something so positive. Come join us for the ride and after party to benefit all children affected by abuse or domestic violence. Let's keep Kids' Place going for another 30 years," the Bernardo family shared. 

 

This year's lead sponsor is Greylock Federal Credit Union. Additional support is provided by Perri Petricca, LIUNA International, Johnson Dealerships, Adams Community Bank, Injected Solutions, Lee Bank, Paula McLean Realtors, J.H. Maxymillian Inc. General Contracting, East Elm Pediatrics, Stockbridge Police Department and Stockbridge Police Association, Wheeler & Taylor, Inc., Comalli Electric, John's Building Supply Co., Balance Rock Investment Group, Berkshire Dream Home Real Estate, Berkshire Orthopedic Associates, Francis Investment Counseling, Hill Engineers, Architects, Planners, Inc., Lee Police Department, MacFarlane Office Products, Martin Hochberg & Cianflone LLC, MyCom Federal Credit Union, Paul J. Murphy Plumbing and Heating, Dery Funeral Home, and Berkshire Boats.