Senate Resolution No. 600

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) for
their steadfast dedication to the health and welfare
of our young people

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) for their steadfast dedication
to the health and welfare of our young people; and

WHEREAS, BACA was founded by a licensed clinical social worker and
registered play therapist to address the fear and subsequent behavior
reactions of abused children through his love for motorcycles; and

WHEREAS, The mental health professional was confronted with a
particularly difficult case involving an eight-year-old boy who refused
to leave his house due to the fear of his perpetrator; he sought the
support of fellow bikers to volunteer to provide an empowering
experience for the boy through social support therapy; and

WHEREAS, With permission from the boy's guardians, 27 motorcycles
and nearly 40 people from clubs, organizations, and solo riders
responded and rode as one group to the child's home; they dismounted,
greeted the child, and offered him a ride on a motorcycle, which he
accepted; within hours of his ride the boy was observed outside his
house riding his bicycle on his own; and

WHEREAS, This idea led to the formation of BACA on a local level,
which grew regionally; today, BACA has progressed into an international
organization in 47 states and 18 countries; and

WHEREAS, BACA works in conjunction with local agencies and fills a
gap in existing services and agencies and fulfills an unmet need within
the community; putting into practice the experience of the founder, BACA
is based upon the finding that positive social support may modulate the
trauma experience by a child through addressing their feelings of fear,
anxiety, and trust and encouraging a sense of safety, based on a stable,
reliable presence; and

WHEREAS, BACA attempts to meet the needs of abused children living
in fear by providing a presence during a crisis, where and when needed
24 hours a day, seven days a week through its volunteers; they strive to
always show up and be there; and

WHEREAS, The Buffalo Chapter of BACA was founded in 2014, and serves
Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, and is currently led
by President Gonzo who is one of the founding members; members are known
by their road names for the protection of the children, as well as the

members serving the children; other members of the Buffalo executive
board include Hawk, Vice President; Ironhead, Secretary; Pipi,
Treasurer; and Bull, Sergeant at Arms; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) for their steadfast dedication
to the health and welfare of our young people; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gonzo, President, Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA).