The Ride for Missing and Exploited Children | Local

Cyclists and families of missing and exploited children gathered at Sauquoit Middle School for this year's Ride for Missing and Exploited Children. This year's guest of honor was Lisa Buske. Her sister Heidi Allen was kidnapped on Easter Sunday 1994. Lisa came with a message of encouragement and talked about how the riders made her feel.

“There are a lot of people who are completely selfless, doing this because they care, and with all the good that is in the world, that will only get bigger.”

The riders visited a number of schools and came with 4 simple reminders on how to be safe. Check it out first, take a friend, tell people no, and tell my trusted friend. 1^st Time Rider Billy Gibson feels it is important to support the community and thinks this is a great place to start.

“We have cards that we give out to all the kids in these schools and if we can save one kid at a time, that’s what it’s all about.”

Students were made aware of safety in schools. Teale LaBarbera, a teacher in Whitesboro, used the ride as one of the ways to convey safety messages to children.

“I wore my jersey to school yesterday and I'm using it as a teaching tool. You know, I was showing them where the ride was going. I was talking about the importance of simple things like wearing a helmet, but the real key to success I'm sure you communicate with your parents Especially now with cell phones, you know it's not that difficult to text your parents.

Amy Roepnack, an art teacher at Jarvis Middle School, had her students create buttons for the riders and believes that most students leave with a better understanding of the purpose of the ride.

“After the ride, they're more aware of it and they're really excited that people are taking care of them.”

The Ride was launched in memory of 12-year-old Sara Anne Wood, who was abducted on August 18, 1993, just down the street from her home. Sara's brother, Dusty Wood, has been involved in the venture since its beginnings, but says it has evolved into something bigger.

“It's not about my family anymore. It's not about my sister anymore. It's about how this community has chosen to contribute to her healing, but also to stay safe and aware in this neighborhood …in this community.”