It’s set for Tuesday, April 15, at noon, at the Ball Farm Event Center

LAFOLLETTE, TN.. (WLAF)- The month of April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Awareness Month.  The Campbell County Children’s Center has gathered for the last 15 years to share testimonies, statistics and inspiration with the community as we work together to prevent child abuse and neglect.  This year, the Children’s Center will be hosting their 16th Annual Child Abuse Awareness Luncheon at noon on Tues., April 15, at the Ball Farm Event Center. 

The guest speaker will be the internationally recognized motivational speaker and advocate, Margaret Hoelzer. Hoelzer is a three-time Olympic medalist, World Record holder and survivor of child sexual abuse. She was one of the first professional athletes to speak out about her experience with sexual abuse.

As in year’s past, the center is reaching out to local businesses and organizations for table sponsorships.  Sponsorships are $300, which will include six tickets and advertisement of the sponsoring business/organization during the preliminaries. 

Individual tickets will be sold for $30. The luncheon often draws over 200 community leaders from the three county service areas of Campbell, Claiborne and Union Counties. 

In addition to the luncheon, the Children’s Center is hoping the community will decorate with the color blue and/or “plant” a pinwheel; take a picture of employees wearing blue on Friday and post to Facebook with the hashtag #childabuseawareness2025; or bring awareness to the month with a display of “National Child Abuse Awareness month” on their signs.  In 2008, the pinwheel was recognized as the national symbol for child abuse prevention.  It captures the essence of the carefree, joyful experiences that should characterize childhood. Each spin of the blue pinwheel reminds us of the possibilities inherent in every child and the nurturing environments we strive to create. The pinwheel not only raises awareness but also inspires action. It’s common to see them spinning in gardens, at local businesses, on school grounds and at places of worship throughout our community, each one is an affirmation of our commitment to child safety. Anyone needing a pinwheel can contact the Children’s Center.

The Campbell County Children’s Center is a child advocacy center that was founded in 2001 to provide a safe haven for sexually and physically abused children.  Instead of being interviewed countless times at different locations, a child can tell their story to one caring and specially trained professional in a child-friendly environment where the child knows he or she will be safe.  The CAC main office is in Campbell County with satellite offices in Claiborne and Union counties.

For more information visit the Children’s Center website or Facebook Campbell County Children’s Center. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 3/7/2025-6AM)

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