As dawn broke on a Saturday morning, the first annual Motorcycle Ride to End Child Sex Slavery commenced with the roar of Engines and the chatter of new friends. Convening at Cornerstone Church in Chandler, over 50 riders showed up to support the BRANDED/Streetlight cause, through raising awareness and donating funds. With people from all walks of life, the event was a great moment to bring together those passionate about Motorcycles, and ending the child sex slave trade in Phoenix.

The carefully routed trip took the group from south Chandler, out towards Sugauaro Lake, through Fountain Hills, and across to Cave Creek, with final destination in North Phoenix. Stops for coffee, donuts, raffles and good conversation were planned at Superstition Harley Davidson, the Horny Toad Saloon, and Northwest Honda.

One exciting story from the event was that of the Pastor of Phoenix Rescue Mission. One of his clients (a homeless man) attended a Church service that had promoted the BRANDED ride, picked up a promotional card, and handed it the pastor, saying “I know you’ve got a bike, you should do this”. That’s true-blue street marketing!

Thank you for all who participated in the Ride, to our generous sponsors who donated time, space, and apparel, and to our faithful volunteers who planned and orchestrated the event. It was an amazing example of how anyone with a passion to eradicate slavery from our City can do so with creative initiative!

www.brandedphx.com

As a movement trying to “decentralize”, we seek people prepared to put their ideas and dreams into action. It is our hope that when people hear about the evil being done in our city, the horrors of 12 year old girls being raped for profit, night in… night out… that they are moved and compelled into action. That the greater public comes to the belief that the current situation is unacceptable, and therefore personal steps must be made to begin to RIGHT the overwhelming WRONG.

Such was the reaction of Bethany Bible Church in Phoenix. After seeing the documentary ‘branded’, the pastoral team made it a point to not only preach a message of justice and social responsibility from the pulpit, but to provide the first steps of this teaching IMMEDIATELY. They recalled the scene in the film when a Phoenix VICE officer shared the common reality, that when they arrest a girl from the street they often immediately bring the girl to a drive-thru because she has been working for 8-12 hours straight, has $200 in her pocket, but because she must turn over 100% of her earnings to her pimp, she has not eaten. The money for this food comes from the VICE officer’s own pocket.

Bethany Bible Church put together a Gift Card Drive within their congregation in attempts to serve these noble and courageous VICE officers. Within a couple days following the message and call to action, the church had received over 200 Gift Cards ($10+) to common fast-food restaurants. Beyond providing these VICE officers a means to continue their humble service to our city… and to the victims of child sex slavery… this church sent a message of overwhelming support to the men and women who are fighting on the front lines of this issue. This is a prime example of people putting their ideas and dreams into action. Thank you Bethany Bible Church, and all others that have begun to cry out against child sex slavery in Phoenix. Keep creating… keep dreaming… keep speaking out…

Please continue to support our valiant VICE officers through your thoughts and words.

When it comes to Motorcycles, you either love ‘em or you don’t! But one thing that is for sure, is that they always get attention. Therefore we’re excited that a group of concerned citizens, who happen to ride 2-wheeled vehicles, are coming together to raise awareness for the fight against Child Sex Slavery in our city.

Join the crew May 16, to ride for a cause. Rev those engines to End Child Prostitution in Phoenix!
For more information and registration