In honor of April being Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County is holding events and fundraisers to bring awareness and engage the community.
The CACSC works with children who have experienced sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, trafficking, or witnessed a violent crime. Statistics show one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused by the time they turn 18.
In 2023 alone, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County saw a record-setting 1,093 children tell their story of abuse and receive help. The nonprofit said hundreds more have yet to come forward.
The team at the CACSC includes a specially trained forensic interviewer, family advocates, a medical team and trauma-focused therapists. The organization's community education provides personal safety instruction for school children to prevent or report abuse. Its trauma informed schools teaches educators how to be sensitive to school children who may have experienced trauma.
The following is a list of events to raise funds for the CACSC or awareness:
Thursday, April 4
The CACSC’s Women of Courage will host the third annual spring luncheon, presented by Velocity Mazda, on Thursday, April 4 at 11:30 a.m. at the Green Acres Crosswalk Conference Center in Tyler. The event will feature keynote speaker Kevin Mulcahy, who is a former federal prosecutor and survivor of child abuse.
Friday, April 5
Blue Friday
Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County is inviting all individuals, families and businesses to wear blue, the official color of child abuse prevention, to show support for children who have been abused or neglected. People can post their photos on social media, tag the CACSC, and use the hashtag #childabuseawarenessmonth
Saturday, April 6
The Velocity Mazda Race to End Child Abuse Pledge-a-Thon
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County is partnering with Velocity Mazda for the ChampCar Endurance Series TireRack.com Daytona 14-Hour Auto Race on Saturday, April 6. Those who wish to support the CACSC may pledge $1 for every lap Velocity Mazda completes during the race, up to an amount designated by the pledger. Supporters can pledge online at http://e.givesmart.com/events/ATp/page/pledge-a-thon/.
Tuesday, April 9
Chuy’s Give Back Event
Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County will be partnering with Chuy’s Mexican Grill in Tyler for a give back event on Tuesday, April 9. They will be donating 10% of the day’s sales to the CACSC when mentioned at check-out.
Thursday, April 18
Jucys Hamburgers Give Back Night
Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County will be partnering with Jucys Hamburgers on 5th Street in Tyler for a give back night on Thursday, April 18 from 5 to 10 p.m. They will be donating 10% of the evening’s sales to the CACSC.
Sunday, April 28
Blue Sunday
Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County is inviting all individuals, families and faith communities to join us in an international day of prayer for victims of child abuse, their families, and those who fight to protect them.
Tuesday, April 30
East Texas Giving Day
Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County will be participating in East Texas Giving Day, an 18-hour online giving event organized by the East Texas Communities Foundation. To donate, visit the CACSC profile page at www.easttexasgivingday.org/cacsmithcounty.
Stanley’s BBQ Youth Charity Art Show & Auction
Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County will be partnering with Stanley’s BBQ in Tyler for their Youth Charity Art Exhibition on Tuesday, April 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. with art activities and specials for kids' meals. They will be donating a percentage of the event’s sales and will include artwork by children who are receiving therapy services at the CACSC.