Sikorsky Aircraft isn’t just a facility designed to make advanced helicopters. Its employees also give back to the community in a big way. And, for the second year its motorcycle ride fund-raiser generated significant donations for the Child Advocacy Center.

The Advocacy Center is a United Way non-profit organization that survives off of donations from within the community. It provide services to children and families in Pike, Coffee, Bullock and Baker counties. “Without this money we would not be able to buy materials, personal to go out and do this,” said Mona Watson director for the prevention programs for the Child Advocacy Center.

The employees at Sikorsky already give to the United Way, said Greg Kiel, supervisor at Sikorsky. “Our employees wanted to pick an organization where this stayed local and it was overwhelming the response,” said Billy Wilson, supervisor at Sikorsky.

In addition, one of the employees suggested the Motorcycle Ride, which got the ball rolling. Sponsors who made the event possible were Regions Bank, Wards Yamaha, Half-Shell, Ruby Tuesday, Hooks barbeque, Troy Auto Zone, O Reilly Auto Parts, Car Quest, Advanced Auto Parts, Courtyard Marriott, Julia’s Restaurant, Subway, Screamers Tattoo, Buffalo Junction, Golden Crane, Taste and See, Tahiti Tans, Days Inn, Troy Discount Tire, and Old Enzor Lane.

All the funds were raised from donations and the fee to ride in the Motorcycle Ride. This year’s event had 103 participants, 67 motorcycles, and five cars that raised an $4,520 dollars for the Child Advocacy Center.

“I’m so thankful for Sikorsky from the bottom of my heart. They do everything, plan the entire event and we just show up to volunteer and help. We really appreciate them and without this we would not be able to maintain the prevention programs,” Watson said.