ABATE events kick off annual toy drive
Comet staff report

Carroll County ABATE's annual toy drive starts this month. Toys collected are distributed by the Salvation Army at Christmas.

A toy run will be held Oct. 20 at the VFW in Delphi. Sign-in is from 12:30 to 1 p.m.

The first bike out will be at 1, with all bikes in by 2:30. Chili and peanut butter sandwiches will be served. There will also be a DJ and karaoke.

Entry fee is a toy or $10 cash.

This event will be held weather permitting.

On Oct. 27, ABATE's Hallow's Eve celebration for Region 4, Bikezilla, will be held at Bresnahan's Bar & Restaurant in Pittsburg. A costume contest will start at 8 p.m. Categories include scariest, funniest, sexiest, most unique and spookiest bike.

The entry fee is a gift item valued at $10 for a boy or girl ages 10 to 15, or $10 cash.

Food and drinks will be available at this adults only event.

Region 4 includes Carroll Benton, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Warren and White counties.

"ABATE has been around in Carroll County for a number of years," said Jack Switzer of Flora, a local ABATE member. "We want to get more people involved in our community events."

ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) is a not-for-profit safety, educational, charitable and advocacy motorcyclist organization. Under the direction of the Indiana Department of Education, ABATE of Indiana operates national awardwinning motorcycle rider education programs at 14 sites statewide. ABATE is also involved in fundraising for charities and those in need, said Switzer.

ABATE of Indiana has raised over $4 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, $2.5 million for Riley Hospital for Children, contributed food and toys to needy families at Christmas, contributed to community charities, and helped raise funds the Children's Wish Fund.

"Anyone who likes to have a good time while working for a cause is welcome to attend our events," said Switzer. "You don't have to have a motorcycle to be a member."

Carroll County ABATE holds meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Bresnahan's.

Robin Christensen and Gerald Wamsher serve as Carroll County's Region 4 representatives. Beginning Jan. 1, those duties will be shared by Switzer and Wamsher.

To learn more about ABATE, contact Switzer at 765-490-6190 (leave message).