PLAINFIELD — Hundreds of motorcycle riders came together recently and raised $2,500 for United Services Domestic Violence Program at the 5th Annual Big Five Charity Ride at the Plainfield VFW.

The Big Five, established in 2012, is committed to giving back to the local community by organizing an annual motorcycle ride to benefit local domestic violence programs. 

Big Five Charity Ride Organizer April Wojcik said this year’s fund-raising total nearly doubled last year’s event.

United Services’ Domestic Violence Program provides the only domestic violence shelters and services in northeastern Connecticut and offers a wide array of services designed to respond to the needs of victims and their children throughout their journey to become free of abuse. In Connecticut, 41,446 victims were served by domestic violence relief programs in 2015.

“We are grateful to The Big Five Charity Ride and everyone who came out to enjoy a great day,” said Diane L. Manning, United Services president/CEO.  “United Services works every day to end domestic violence and it is gratifying to see so many people stepping up to help raise awareness for this important issue.”