The Punishers and Child Advocacy Center team up for a route to helping kids heal!

Press release from Child Advocacy Center

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) has partnered with the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club – Fort Kings and Iron Shield for the 2nd Annual Helping Kids Heal Poker Run Motorcycle Ride! This ride is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Child Advocacy Center’s newest location: 500 E University Avenue in Gainesville.

Breakfast and tours of the center are being provided, and the ride will leave at 10:30 a.m. Riders will play poker on their motorcycles, collecting their first card at the CAC, then heading to Gainesville Harley Davidson, Pink Flamingo Diner, Homestead Park, and ending at One Love Cafe to collect their last card to hopefully win the best poker hand! There will be food and drinks available for purchase, raffles, and prizes for best and worst hand. Who’s ready to ride to help kids heal?

Click here for more information.

Since its inception in 1999, the CAC has made tremendous strides in creating a compassionate community where children and families are supported as they heal from trauma and violence. We strongly believe that every child deserves a safe and happy childhood. As members of our community, we recognize the importance for all of us to work together to break the cycle of child abuse and improve outcomes for child victims and their families. We know the impact the CAC and its partner agencies have on our community and their ability to provide a child-friendly, trauma-responsive space where children can transition from victims and survivors to thrivers!

In 2024. the CAC served 3,964 children and caregivers. Of those, 63 were child sex trafficking cases, 754 were physical abuse cases, 908 were sexual abuse cases, and 239 required a specialized forensic interview — all right here in Alachua County. To date and over the past 25 years, more than 27,787 children have received services and are thriving today. Proceeds from the Helping Kids Heal will fund the annual operational expenses of the CAC and allow thousands of children in Alachua County receive necessary services in order to heal. The CAC couldn’t do what they do without the generous support of this community and are incredibly grateful to have so many stand next to them in their efforts to break the cycle of abuse in our community!