Car, bike enthusiasts raise awareness of child abuse

Scott Sim's purple Lamborghini fights child abuse in style.

Sim's 1991 Lamborghini Diablo Jota Americana caught eyes at the Blue Ribbon Rally on Saturday in the Depot District. The annual event raises funds for the Family Guidance and Outreach Center - its host - to continue the efforts against child abuse and neglect.

"We do quite a few of these shows for kids," Sim said.

Sim purchased the Italian sports car in New Jersey after having it on his wish list for years.

"It's a lot of fun," he said. "It's one of those cars I wanted for a long time. Patience finally paid off."

The Lamborghini was one of 262 cars and dozens of motorcycles displayed at the rally.

Another, Debra Woolever's 1999 Ford Mustang, caught attention with its custom paint job and seat covering. The car was created as a 35th-anniversary edition for the model, she said.

"It's all for show. I've got a wall full of trophies," she said.

Hundreds of visitors strolled the downtown streets to admire the vehicles and browse through the 50 or so vendors. Live music in the Cactus Courtyard accompanied the festival-like atmosphere.

"Everything's going great," said Lynnette Wilson, executive director of the outreach center, midway through the rally. "It's a beautiful day, and we're so excited."

A block east of the car displays, motorcycles paraded the street. Some of their owners represented organized groups, such as the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

"We hand out Bibles and pray for people who want safety while they're riding," said Gary Dockery, a member of the association's local chapter.

Dockery spent the day admiring other cars and motorcycles while showing off his 2013 Harley Street Glide.

"I fell in love with it," he said. "It's a great bike."

The rally culminates a series of April events related to child abuse prevention.

Lubbock leads the region per capita in confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect, according to statistics from the Department of Family and Protective Services. Last year, Lubbock County reported 1,354 cases, three of which resulted in the child's death.

Statewide, 156 children died in 2013 as a result of abuse or neglect.

"This event is kind of the finale. It brings awareness that it shouldn't hurt to be a child," Wilson said.

josephine.musico@lubbockonline.com

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