Michael Whitaker
Based on the 2017 Arizona Child Fatality Review Program annual report, 82 children in Arizona died from child abuse and neglect. Now, the Exchange Club of Chandler is making sure this is known throughout the Valley.
On Saturday, April 28, the Exchange club of Chandler will stand up a “Field of Hope” at Sun Lakes Community Center, 25425 S. Sun Lakes Blvd.
At 9:00 a.m. that morning, Exchange members will be placing 82 three-foot-by-five-foot blue ribbon “Prevent Child Abuse” flags in the ground to remember each child who perished from child abuse or neglect. Once the field is up, there will be a blessing of the field. The flags will remain up the rest of the day.
That evening, the Exchange Club of Chandler will present a child abuse awareness program and fundraiser for future child abuse prevention projects.
The evening will begin with a “meet and greet” social at 5:00 p.m., a complimentary sandwich buffet at 5:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:00 p.m. The program is planned to include a proclamation from the mayor, stories from child abuse survivors and a presentation by a representative from the Chandler Police Victims Services Department, Domestic Violence Unit.
“The Exchange Club is an awareness organization, so we believe it is our duty to make sure people know of the 82 beloved souls that were lost to abuse last year in Arizona,” says Michael Whitaker, the Exchange Club of Chandler’s president. “Across the board, the issue of child abuse affects everyone. In the U.S. last year, about three million children were abused. Many were abused by parents and caretakers. This is an issue that needs more of a spotlight, so the Exchange Club is backing this event by getting the word out.”
About the Exchange Club of Chandler
The Exchange Club of Chandler oversees service-centered programs on youth, Americanism and community service. The Exchange Club meets at the Stadium Club. For more, visit www.nationalexchangeclub.org or call Michael @ 480-241-9448.