Community Corner
Bikers and Celebrity Chef Join Forces to Help Local Kids
The local chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse hopes to raise awareness and have fun all at the same time.
April kicks off National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
In an effort to raise awareness for the cause, the Santa Cruz chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse will hold its first B.A.C.A Bash.
The charity event, which takes place on Sunday at the Portuguese Hall in Santa Cruz, will feature the culinary contributions of Felton resident and celebrity MasterChef Jake Gandolfo. There will be live music by Lovers and Strangers, the San Jose band, OTR, and Michelle Chappel and John Cirillo.
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B.A.C.A.'s members hope not only to bring attention to the issue of child abuse but also to get the word out about the organization.
“In Santa Cruz County, there are lots of abused kids that we could be helping,” said event organizer, Mark Kastner. “We are all about empowering these kids.”
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That’s why Kastner enlisted the help of Gandolfo. And Gandolfo responded in a big way with a specially prepared menu of slow-roasted swine on a spit and a Southern-style barbeque plate. Also included will be Gandolfo’s own pineapple-infused slaw and his Jake’s Mistake award-winning barbecue sauce.
“This hits with me on a lot of levels,” Gandolfo said. “Mark reached out to me and asked me to be involved, and I love being involved with the community. Plus, it’s the first annual, and I love being involved with the first of anything.”
As Gandolfo is the reigning Santa Cruz Rib Cook-off champion, his food is sure to draw a crowd, which is precisely what Kastner and B.A.C.A members are counting on.
“We want to bring visibility to B.A.C.A,” Kastner said.
B.A.C.A was founded in 1995 by a social worker who wanted to help a single abused child overcome fear and gain trust. There are now more than 150 chapters in the United States and around the world.
“As an organization, we’ve helped thousands of kids,” Kastner explained. “I am involved, because God has put a special place in my heart with respect to abused kids.”
Locally, the Santa Cruz County chapter of B.A.C.A will also recognize the Day of the Child with a parade the second week of April.
Bikers from all corners of the globe also will participate in a 100-mile ride set for the last weekend of April.
Sunday’s B.A.C.A Bash will take place from 2-7 p.m. at the Portuguese Hall in Santa Cruz. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. To learn more and to buy tickets, visit santacruzbikerbash.eventbrite.com or call 831-566-8080.