By: Rachel Peacock
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to recognize the importance of protecting children from abuse and neglect. In preparation, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida (CAC) is now accepting sponsorships for its April baseball event in partnership with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels and Grand Slam Title Sponsor, The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, for the 2nd annual Pinwheels in the Park event. In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel as the national symbol for child abuse prevention. The pinwheel represents playfulness and joy that serves as a physical reminder of the great childhoods we want for all children.
The Mighty Mussels game will take place at Hammond Stadium against the Dunedin Blue Jays on April 8, at 6 p.m. One hour prior, the stadium will host a children’s Easter egg hunt. Custom Pinwheel jerseys will be worn by the Mighty Mussels and will be available for purchase through an online auction after the game, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the CAC.
Mighty Mussels Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Dan Lauer, is excited to partner with the CAC and host the Pinwheels in the Park event. “Seeing firsthand what the CAC is doing in our community, it’s a no-brainer for us to work hand in hand during Child Abuse Prevention month. We are grateful for the CAC and their efforts to help children and families in our area, and we look forward to seeing a packed stadium!”
Since 1981, the CAC’s mission has been to provide a coordinated response to child victims of abuse and neglect and to improve the lives of at-risk children and their families through prevention services. The CAC provides abuse determination services, therapeutic counseling, pet therapy, advocacy, and parenting education.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is the Grand Slam Title Sponsor of the event. “We have an amazing partnership with the CAC. Our teams work together to educate, identify, and intervene during cases of child abuse,” said Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “It is critically important that we protect those that cannot protect themselves and we strive to create more programs and provide resources for the community.”
Available sponsorship levels include:
- Home Run $7,500: terrace party for 40, food included;
- Extra Bases $5,000: private suite for 28 people, hot dogs, snacks, and sodas;
- Third Base $3,500: private suite for 14 people, hot dogs, snacks, and sodas;
- Second Base $1,500: 10 tickets, hot dogs, and sodas;
- First Base $500: 4 tickets, hot dogs, and sodas.
Make every month Child Abuse Prevention Month. To become a sponsor for this event, please contact rpeacock@cac-swfl.org. To support CAC programs and initiatives that help local children and families in need, please call 239-939-2808, or consider making a tax-deductible donation at cac-swfl.org.
