Children's Advocacy group raising funds

Tying in with National Child Abuse Prevention Month, The Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida announced it is officially launching a capital campaign on Wednesday, April 30th with a luncheon at the Shadow Wood Country Club.

Aiming to raise funds for the purchase and remodel of new building, CAC has invited guests to learn about their services and why this new building is so critical. Currently, the Center is spread throughout 3 different buildings in about 13,000 square feet off Broadway in downtown Fort Myers. The new building is 20,000 square feet.

The CAC Capital Campaign involves a diverse cabinet of community members dedicated to raising $3.5 million dollars for the Center by December. The money will be earmarked for payment of the building purchase price as well as a complete interior remodel of the building.

The child abuse rate in Florida far exceeds the National average. Every eight minutes, two children are abused in Florida. Longterm effects of child abuse include fear, anxiety, depression, anger, poor self-esteem, hostility, inappropriate sexual behavior, a tendency toward substance abuse, and difficulty establishing or maintaining close relationships. CAC sees over 3,600 children every year. The Agency determines whether abuse or neglect has occurred, provides therapy, and conducts parent education classes.

For more information on the challenge, contact Gaye Flood at (239) 470-0804 or gayeflood@comcast.net