– The 2026 Silvie's Ride Against Child Abuse raised $14,000 for local philanthropic organizations dedicated to children and families.
The life of Silven 'Silvie' Yocum of Macomb was again remembered and celebrated at Silvie's Ride Against Child Abuse June 20. The five-year-old died in September 2006 as a result of domestic violence. Silvie's Ride Against Child Abuse was established in 2015 by Silvie's grandfather, Jon Yocum, with proceeds going to area social service agencies. Proceeds from the 2026 event will be split between three organizations, Western Illinois Regional Council-Victim Services, The Samaritan Well in Macomb and Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center in Galesburg, to further the scope and reach of the Knights Motorcycle Riding Club's fundraising efforts, as well as to raise awareness for other service agencies in the region. The motorcycle club has members from Macomb and west central Illinois to as far north to Kewanee, Illinois.
'Thank you to everyone who took part in this year's event, and who donated to this most worthy cause,' said Knights Motorcycle Club member and co-organizer Damon Wright. 'We are so grateful for the continued support and for those who join us to make a difference.'
The annual memorial ride has now raised almost $190,000 to date. The St.
Augustine, Illinois-based Knights, of which Jon is a member, along with Erin's partner, Todd Mason, organize the annual event. This year's event brought in close to 120 bikes, and several SUVs, cars and trucks.
The Knights are a social club, but with a largely philanthropic mission. They keep enough in the coffers to pay the club's overhead, but most of their money goes toward a variety of charitable causes. The members host at least five fundraising rides a year, as well as an Honor Flight Trivia Night. The club has raised enough money for an Honor Flight going out of Moline, Illinois that the flight has been named in the Knights' honor.
For more information, visit facebook.com/Silvies-RideAgainstChildAbuse/ and tinyurl.com/KMClub-Facebook.
