VALDOSTA — Becoming a member of BACA is tough because the Bikers Against Child Abuse have a tough job.

The mission may be simple but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

“BACA exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse.”

BACA is there for abused children, said M. Page, whose BACA name is “Bugsy,” and A. Patterson, whose BACA name is “Slinky.” 

No excuses. No absences. BACA members take a pledge they must keep, wearing the vest bearing the BACA logo of a fist and chains.

“If a BACA member tells a child he will be there, he will be there,” “Bugsy” said. “The child knows if he looks out into the courtroom, he will see the BACA member.”

The organization is seeking help in raising funds for its efforts. People do not have to be a member to participate in the annual BACA Dice Run scheduled for April 6. Bikers and motorists are invited to participate in what is the chapter’s largest fundraiser of the year.

It takes dedication to become a member, “Bugsy” and “Slinky” said. There’s a background check. There are training courses. There is a strict code of conduct.

People simply looking for a BACA patch will be weeded out, they said. If a member leaves the BACA program, the patch must be returned to the organization.

Most importantly, they must be there for the child.

“Bugsy” said BACA is not like the Big Brother-Big Sister organization. BACA members aren’t mentoring children or taking them to movies. Instead, BACA provides support and security for a child.

If a child needs help at 3 a.m., BACA goes. If the child is going to testify in court, BACA is there. If a child feels threatened, BACA stands for the child.

“We’re not about threatening anyone and we don’t want to step on law-enforcement’s toes,” “Bugsy” said. “But our job is to ensure no one hurts the child again. They will not get to that child. Period.”

BACA has three criteria for helping a child.

— First, is the child afraid?

— Second, Mom has to understand that BACA is not there for Mom but for the child.

— Third, the child and family cannot be living with the perpetrator of abuse.

“Slinky” and “Bugsy” are members of the Little River chapter of BACA. “Bugsy” is chapter president.

Asked about the number of BACA members in the chapter, “Slinky” said, “We have enough to do the job.”

BACA members are private about the organization because the job is not about them, they said. For example, members don’t share their real names with the children. Children know them by their nicknames.

“Bugsy’ and “Slinky” were reluctant to share their names with The Valdosta Daily Times but did so when the newspaper insisted their names would have to be included to tell their story.

“It’s not about us,” “Bugsy” said. “It’s about these kids. It’s about helping them and seeing that they are eventually strong enough to stand on their own.”

BACA Dice Run

Bikers Against Child Abuse hosts a Dice Run

When: Saturday, April 6, with registration at 9 a.m. Kickstands up at 10 a.m. Last bike out 11 a.m. Ends 3 p.m.

Where: Event starts and concludes at U.S. Military Vets MC Clubhouse, 2333 S. Patterson St.

Door prizes, 50/50 giveaway, auction items, live music, food, drinks.

Cost: One dice roll, $10; three dice rolls, $20.

More information: Contact “U-Turn,” (229) 563-1948, U-Turn@lr-ga.bacaworld.org; or Dawg, (229) 507-3565, Dawg@lr-ga.bacaworld.org.