News Summary
The 25th Annual Great Teddy Bear Run in Bowling Green, Kentucky, drew over 500 motorcyclists on April 26, 2025, to raise awareness about child abuse. Organized by the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center, the event included a 13-mile ride, teddy bear donations, and various family-friendly activities. Participants united to support child abuse victims, enhancing community involvement with silent auctions, games, and food vendors. The milestone event highlighted the ongoing need for awareness and support for vulnerable children and showcased the growth and impact of this beloved community tradition.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – The 25th Annual Great Teddy Bear Run took place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, attracting over 500 motorcyclists who participated in an effort to raise awareness about child abuse. Riders from across the state and beyond gathered at the Warren County Justice Center to embark on a 13-mile journey, culminating at the Bowling Green Harley Davidson dealership.
The event was organized by the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center (BRACAC), which provides free healing services to victims of child abuse and assists approximately 1,000 children annually. Motorcyclists were encouraged to bring teddy bears and other stuffed animals to donate for distribution to child abuse victims, emphasizing the dual focus of the event on both awareness and providing comfort to affected children.
Participants included members of local motorcycle organizations, such as the Master Builders Masonic Riders Association and Crusaders for Children. Riding together not only showcased solidarity but also amplified the message of the event across the community. To add to the festive atmosphere, a teddy bear mascot was present, energizing the crowd and creating an inviting environment for participants of all ages.
In addition to the motorcycle ride, the day’s festivities at the Harley Davidson dealership included a variety of attractions aimed at engaging the public. These featured a silent auction, raffles, games, and food vendors, making the Great Teddy Bear Run a family-friendly event. Such activities not only encouraged community involvement but also enhanced fundraising efforts for BRACAC’s ongoing initiatives. Online registration for the event closed on April 22, 2025, with pre-registration fees set at $35 for single riders, a nominal fee considering the significant cause.
Participants also received special commemorative items, such as a unique 25th-anniversary patch and the opportunity to obtain distinctive tattoos at the Harley Davidson site. These keepsakes served to honor the legacy of the Great Teddy Bear Run and its long-standing commitment to child abuse awareness.
The Great Teddy Bear Run has become a significant annual event in Bowling Green, not just for motorcyclists but for the entire community. Over the years, it has gradually grown in both participation and impact, shining a light on the struggles faced by child abuse victims and rallying support for services aimed at their recovery and healing. Through donations of teddy bears and the generous contributions made during the event, the community continues to demonstrate its dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
As the event celebrated its milestone anniversary, it highlighted the ongoing efforts needed to combat child abuse and support victims. BRACAC’s role in providing essential services cannot be overlooked, and events like the Great Teddy Bear Run are pivotal in gathering support and fostering awareness.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bowling Green Hosts 25th Annual Great Teddy Bear Run
Bowling Green Prepares for National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Additional Resources
- WBKO: 25th Annual Great Teddy Bear Run
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- BG Daily News: Teddy Bear Run
- Google Search: Great Teddy Bear Run
- WNKY: Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- BG Daily News: Great Teddy Bear Run Returns
- Google News: 2025 Great Teddy Bear Run
- WNKY: Great Teddy Bear Run
