ABATE members deliver toys, gifts
Local group brings Christmas cheer
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Among the many community organizations with the purpose of helping others, ABATE is unique in the fact that its members are motorcyclists.

According to spokesperson Bob Alexander, "ABATE (American Bikers Aimed toward Education) of Indiana is a not-for-profit, safety, educational, charitable and advocacy motorcyclist organization."

He explains that its aims are "to promote safety, protect rights, and help others."

Recently, their project has been raising funds and purchasing toys for the Toys for Tots program in Ripley County and gifts for the residents of Silver Bell Nursing Home.

A number of their members gathered on Wednesday, December 14, at the Versailles AMVETS to wrap the toys and gifts and prepare them for delivery.

With a membership of over 27,000 in Indiana, ABATE represents about 20% of the registered motorcycles and has a full-time staff, 350 volunteer officers, and over 150 certified safety instructors dedicated to serving the interests of motorcyclists.

In Ripley County approximately 120 members are active in the organization. "If anyone wants to join the group to help others," said Beverly Miller, treasurer of ABATE in Ripley County, "our meetings are the first Wednesday of the month at AMVETS Post #17 in Versailles at 7:00 p.m."

This is the second year for the group to contribute to the Toys for Tots project coordinated by Bill Warren and Chuck Folz. The toys will be given away through the Free Store at the Osgood Fairgrounds.

In explaining the purpose of the organization, Alexander noted that ABATE of Indiana's motorcycle safety program has received numerous national awards of excellence.

"Nearly 55,000 students have graduated since its inception in 1979. In 1986, the Indiana Department of Education (INDOE) became involved with the program. Since that time, there has been a dramatic 65% decrease in motorcycle fatalities."

Among the activities, the group has been responsible for making the month of June "Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month." ABATE has distributed over 500,000 bumper stickers promoting motorcycle awareness.

In addition to promoting motorcycle safety and education, ABATE has participated in several charitable projects. The organization has collected almost $3,500,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association as well as having raised and contributed over $40,000 for families in times of need.

"Tons of food and truck loads of toys are donated each year at Christmas time through our Toys for Tots program," said Alexander. "In addition we have contributed over $50,000 to community charities and $2,500,000 to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis."

Summarizing the educational goals of the organization, Alexander said, "ABATE of Indiana believes education, not legislation, is the key to creating a safer environment for motorcycling."

MARY MARGARET MOORHEAD PHOTO

Members of the Ripley County ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) meet at the Versailles AMVETs to prepare toys and gifts for their Christmas project. The toys will be distributed through the Toys for Tots program at the Free Store in the Osgood Fairgrounds, and the gifts will be taken to Silver Bell Nursing Home. First row: Penny Flannery, Beverly Miller, Judy Livers, Terri Mayberry, Brenda Sizemore; Second row: Chris Krause, Bob Alexander, Jim Livers, Tony Mayberry, Chuck Folz, and John Mayberry.