SALISBURY — Prevent Child Abuse Rowan hosted its annual brunch Friday to thank the community for all of its support throughout the year.
The brunch was held at Rowan Museum.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Prevent Child Abuse Rowan is an advocate for the protection of the children of Rowan County by working to empower individuals through training and education, coordinating a comprehensive team response to abuse and neglect and reducing victim trauma.
“With more abuse cases in the news, we’ve seen an overall increase in our caseload because people feel more comfortable talking about what happened to them, and they know there is a safe place to turn to,” said Beth Moore, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Rowan.
The event drew more than 100 individuals from the community. Dari Caldwell of Novant Health was the keynote speaker.
Also in attendance were N.C. Sen. Andrew Brock, East Spencer Mayor Barbara Mallett, China Grove Mayor Donald Bringle, Chief District Court Judge Charlie Brown and District Court Judge Kevin Eddinger.
Special awards were given to Paxton Butler, The Forum of Salisbury and Rick Barrier for their support of Prevent Child Abuse Rowan.
Board President Tom Hess and Board Secretary Eleanor Qadirah were also recognized for their longtime service to the organization.
Prevent Child Abuse Rowan is working hard to put an end to child abuse in Rowan County, Moore said. The dark blue ribbons downtown are in honor of Prevent Child Abuse Month.
Prevent Child Abuse Month is having its first Kentucky Derby Fundraiser at the Country Club of Salisbury 4:30-7:30 p.m. May 3. Contact Beth Moore at 704-639-1700, or beth@preventchildabuserowan.org for more information. Tickets are $50 a person.