PICKENS COUNTY – The heavy rain early Saturday led to many people forgoing the opportunity to participate in the “Ride for the Child” fundraiser Saturday.

Although the clouds cleared for a beautiful day, participation was very much down for the event, with only about 100 riders participating.

The money raised was close to $10,000 less than expected,” according to Heather Witt of Prevent Child Abuse Pickens County. “Honestly, we cannot afford that. The money we raise goes to sustain all of our programs and there’s no way we could make it with just that amount.”

With that in mind, the ride has been re-scheduled for April 30.

“We appreciate everybody who participated Saturday,” said Witt. “But many people assumed we were not going to have the ride, and so our numbers were very much down.”

The rescheduled event will begin with registration from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Parenting Place in the Dalton Flats shopping center next to Solid Gold on S.C. 8. The route will be similar to the original, with stops at Aunt Sue’s on S.C. 11 and the Spinx station on Farrs Bridge Road.

Cost per vehicle is $25, and includes one hand of cards. Additional hands are $10 each. Riders who pre-registered or registered on April 16 will be able to participate at no additional cost.

The ride will end at Michael’s Pizzeria with food and a free concert.

Along with the food and live music, PCAPC will provide prizes to the winners, with the best and worst hand of cards.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the organization’s prevention programs which include intensive home visitation for teen moms, victim services, children’s programs, parent support groups, parenting classes and community education.

Witt is hoping the rescheduled ride will include more vehicles, including cars.

“We truly need the revenue generated,” Witt said.

Sponsors for the event include Bowers Emergency Services, Behavioral Health Services of Pickens County, Blue Ridge Fest 2011, Gregory Design, The Graphic Cow Company, Southern Exposure, Michael’s Pizzeria, Wal-Mart, Sam and Jane Wyche, Spinx, Peoples National Bank, Publix Super Markets Charities, Foothills Fraternal Order of the Police No. 9, Foothills Motorsports and Law Tigers.

For more information on Ride For The Child, or to learn how you can help prevent child abuse, call The Parenting Place at (864) 898-5583.