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.
