The third annual Pinwheels in the Park had bases loaded with generosity
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to recognize the importance of protecting children from abuse and neglect. The annual Pinwheels in the Park event, a powerful collaboration of The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida (CAC), the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, took place during the Mighty Mussels’ season opening weekend, raising an impressive $31,952 that will directly assist the CAC in serving the community.
This is the third year for Pinwheels in the Park, serving as a testament to the strength and unity of the community in protecting its most vulnerable members. The Mighty Mussels were victorious over the Tampa Tarpons on April 6 for a family-friendly event at Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sports Complex that began with a post-Easter Egg hunt prior to the first pitch. The Mighty Mussels wore custom pinwheel jerseys, and select pieces were auctioned after the game to support CAC.
“The mission of our Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL is vital to ensure the wellness and safety of our children,” said Jake Spanberger, CAC board president. “We are extremely grateful to the Mighty Mussels and the LCSO for their support of this event, as well as the many other sponsors that stepped up to the plate to support our CAC and its services.”
In addition to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as the title sponsor, the CAC recognizes event sponsors including Commercial Air Management, Edison National Bank, Emily Hunter, Entech, Florida Panther Loading Service, Hats by Hawes, Karla Y. Campos-Andersen Esq., Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, Merrill Lynch, Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats, Priority Business Solutions, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and Storm Smart. Support from these companies and individuals was critical to making this event possible and impactful.
About Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida
Since 1981, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida, Inc. (CAC) has worked to improve the lives of children and their families through a coordinated response to child abuse and neglect, offering them a safe and friendly environment in which to heal. CAC provides abuse determination services, pet therapy, therapeutic counseling, parenting education, and prevention programs in Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte Counties. All services are provided free of charge. For more information, please call 239-939-2808 or visit cac-swfl.org. CAC is a United Way Partner Agency.
About the Mighty Mussels
The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels are the Low-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins and have played home games at Hammond Stadium since 1992. The franchise, which offers affordable family fun for all ages, plays in the Florida State League’s highly competitive West Division. The Mighty Mussels are led off the field by Majority Partner John Martin and President Chris Peters, and on the field by Manager Brian Meyer. Notable alumni include MLB All-Stars Joe Mauer, David Ortiz, Jose Berrios, Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano and Torii Hunter. For more information or to purchase individual, group or season tickets, please visit MightyMussels.com or call 239-768-4210. Follow the Mighty Mussels on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.
