The Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center received a much needed contribution from proceeds raised at the 2011 Real Ale Ride cosponsored by The Bicycle Sport Shop and Real Ale Brewing Company in May. Riders from across the state participated in the event helping to raise $8,000 for the Center. “This was our most successful ride to date with 1,164 riders having fun while helping to support a worthwhile cause” said Jodie Eldrige, marketing director for The Bicycle Sports Shop.

The Center’s staff and volunteers supported the ride by hosting a rest stop and serving snacks and water to ride participants. “We wanted to have a presence at the ride and support Blanco’s effort to raise funds for us. Community support has become increasingly important as federal and state funds diminish and the need for services increases,” said executive director Ronda Hostetter. Dollars raised from the Real Ale Ride will be used to provide counseling, educational programs, and forensic interviews, a process that helps children tell caring adults what happened to them.

The Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center is a non-profit organization that offers free services to physically and sexually abused children and their families residing in Blanco County and the surrounding area. The Center also offers training to professionals and provides a child safety program, Yello Dyno, for children attending elementary school in Blanco and Johnson City. “We thank the staff of The Bicycle Sports Shop and Real Ale Brewing Company, along with the numerous volunteers, for their time and energy donated to help the Center maintain services,” said Pam Rodgers, volunteer coordinator for the Advocacy Center. For more information about the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center and volunteering in your community, call 512-756-2607.