Photos and story by Julie Carasone
Today, Genesee County A.B.A.T.E. hosted its Second Annual Kids Day, bringing families together for a day filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit. Children enjoyed a variety of activities throughout the event, including Big Wheel races, a coloring contest, face painting, temporary tattoos, a bus tour, information from Fidelis Care Health Insurance, and Kid ID services provided by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
The idea for Kids Day came from one of A.B.A.T.E.’s members last year. “One of our members said there’s really nothing for kids to do nowadays,” said A.B.A.T.E. President Eric Morton.
“Why don’t we come up with an event for the kids where the parents don’t have to pay, and the kids can just be kids for the day? We all thought it was a great idea, and Kids Day was born.” The event has quickly become a favorite tradition, providing a free day of activities and entertainment for local families. In addition to Kids Day, Genesee County A.B.A.T.E. hosts a Fall Fest each year featuring pumpkin decorating, trunk-or-treating, and a costume contest, all at no cost to participating families.
Genesee County ABATE presents a check for $876 to Director of Emergency Management Tim Yeager on Saturday at the 2nd Annual Kids Day held at Stan’s Harley Davidson on West Saile Drive.
The day was also an opportunity for Genesee County A.B.A.T.E. to present a donation of $876 to the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management. Present for the donation were James O’Callaghan and Director Timothy Yeager of the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management, along with representatives from Genesee County A.B.A.T.E., including Jeff Houseknecht, Treasurer; Cristie Lamb, Road Captain; and Eric Morton, President. According to Morton, the funds were raised during the Fallen Heroes Ride held on June 13. The ride was organized to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving their communities.
“The ride visited every fire department in Genesee County,” Morton said. “What started as a way to honor fallen heroes turned into an opportunity to raise funds for the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management.”
The donation of $876 will be used by the Office of Emergency Management to support emergency preparedness and response efforts throughout Genesee County.
Morton estimates that through rides and fundraising events, Genesee County A.B.A.T.E. has donated more than $10,000 during its first two years. Beyond financial contributions, the organization has remained active in supporting local families and community initiatives. Over the past two years, members have adopted two Genesee County families during the Christmas season, organized a Giving Tree at Stan’s Harley-Davidson, and participated in the annual Stuff the Cruiser event. These efforts, combined with community events such as Kids Day and Fall Fest, reflect A.B.A.T.E.’s commitment to giving back and strengthening the communities it serves. Through its volunteer efforts, charitable giving, and family-focused events, Genesee County A.B.A.T.E. continues to make a positive impact across Genesee County while creating opportunities for families to come together and enjoy meaningful experiences at no cost.
For more information about Genesee County A.B.A.T.E., visit their Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18uKCSbCDC/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Video of Check Presentation to Genesee County Emergency Management-by Julie Carasone with Genesee County ABATE, Eric Morton President.
A Thank you below from Genesee County ABATE
A special thank you to some very special people who make our event possible. First and foremost, thank you to the staff at STAN’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON. Without your patience and help this event could have never happened.
Thank you to the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company and the Town of Batavia fire Department, who with little to no advanced notification were able to assemble crews and have fire apparatus at our event for the kids to enjoy. A thank you to the Genesee County office of Emergency Management, the New York State Police, The Genesee County Sheriff, and the City of Batavia Police Department for your participation. Thank you to Fidelis, (Halee) for joining us today. Thank you to Niagara Falls chapter of BACA. Thank you to the management of the Alabama Hotel, who made the fantastic ice cream a possibility.
Thank you to our Hot Dog guys, you rock, probably the hardest working people at the event today. A final thanks to all the members of Genesee County ABATE who sacrificed your time and energy to make this event happen. (A special thanks to Morgan and Aurora, who although not ABATE members yet, came, helped and busted their butts on Friday for event setup and it was truly appreciated) Teamwork makes the dream work
