CPC paints SRQ Blue

Businesses and organizations around Sarasota are challenged this month to be all things blue.

The Child Protection Center kicked off its Paint The Town Blue campaign April 2, at Eloise Werlin Park. The campaign aims to raise awareness about child abuse throughout April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

“We want blue to be just as prevalent in the month of April as pink is for October,” said Melissa Lane, CPC director of development.

CPC Executive Director Doug Staley described the importance of awareness.

“It’s the conversation and the discussion that allows us to create action plans,” Staley said. “It acknowledges that, even here, child abuse happens.”

The color blue has been tied to the issue of child abuse and is also the color CPC uses for the marbles in its Pillar of Hope. Following their visits, children  drop a blue marble into the pillar from the second floor of the building. Over the years, the pillar has accumulated thousands of blue marbles at its base. 

“If you see something isn’t right take action,” Staley said.  “Your action could be what saves a child’s life.”