The deafening roar of motorcycles cutting across a 100-mile route through the Upstate is like music to the ears of abused and neglected children in Pickens County.

Those motorcycles, along with other vehicles, will take to the road in the upcoming 11th annual Ride for the Child in an effort to protect Pickens County children from abuse and neglect.

South Carolina ranks 47th in the nation for child wellbeing and 50th for funding prevention programs for children, said Olivia Fowler, community relations coordinator for Prevent Child Abuse Pickens County at The Parenting Place.

"That's not a very pretty picture, but it's one reason there's such a great need," she said.

Planned for April 21, the Ride for the Child poker run has five stops and costs $25 a motorcycle or car, which gets you one poker hand. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Bi-Lo parking lot on U.S. 123 in Easley.

April is also South Carolina's prevent child abuse month, Fowler said, and more than 30 churches in the county are having events to raise community awareness on how to protect children from abuse and neglect.