The Four Corners Child Advocacy Center is inviting the community to help raise awareness about child abuse during its annual walk in the park Saturday as part of Child Abuse Awareness Month.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Parque de Vida, with setup beginning at 9 a.m. This year’s theme is “Let Hope Bloom,” and organizers expect about 100 participants. Registration is not required, and the event is free.
This year’s walk will honor Rose Jergens for her dedication to protecting children in the community.
Food will be provided by God’s Dogs, and first responders from the Cortez Fire Protection District, Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office and Cortez Police Department will attend. Their presence gives children an opportunity to interact with emergency personnel and learn that they can turn to them for help.
“They’re there to help them see they don’t have to be afraid if they see a fire truck or a police car,” Margo Lee, a Four Corners Child Advocacy Center board member and outreach coordinator, told The Journal.
Community organizations including Piñon Project Access, Dare to Be You, Silver Linings, Medicine Horse and Southwest Colorado Youth Corps will host informational tables.
If you go
What: Four Corners Child Advocacy Center walk in the park
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (setup at 9 a.m.)
Where: Parque de Vida
Cost: Free
Details: The event includes a community walk, food, informational tables, prize drawings and family activities. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue to show support for child abuse prevention.
Theme: “Let Hope Bloom”
Speakers include Undersheriff and sheriff candidate Tyson Cox, Four Corners Child Advocacy Center Executive Director Lacey Osterloh, District Attorney Jeremy Reed and sexual assault nurse examiner Natalia Lobato.
Leading up to the event, fifth graders from seven local elementary schools participated in a pinwheel design contest. The pinwheels will be displayed throughout the park, with one winner selected from each class.
Participating schools include Dolores Elementary, Battle Rock Charter School, Kiva Montessori, Pleasant View Charter School, Mesa Elementary, Kemper Elementary and Mancos Elementary School. Girl Scouts will decorate sidewalks along the route with positive messages and artwork.
Opening remarks will begin at 10 a.m., followed by pinwheel contest announcements, recognition of Jergens, speaker introductions and registration for prize drawings. Drawing registration will close at 11:30 a.m.
Speakers will address participants at 10:15 a.m., and the walk will begin at 10:45 a.m. Lunch will be served after the walk, with dessert available starting at 11:30 a.m.
Attendees are encouraged to wear blue to show support for child abuse prevention. Prize drawings for children and adults will include donated items and gift certificates from local businesses.
