Pinwheels for Prevention Picnic

On Saturday, April 9, from 11 am to 2 pm, at The Railyard in Downtown Lincoln, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation will hold the third annual Pinwheels for Prevention Picnic to celebrate the start of Child Abuse Prevention month.

This event is free to all families. “Our goal is to create an environment where parents can connect with their children and have some fun,” said Kelly Medwick, Nebraska Children’s Chief of Staff. “It’s our way of celebrating the good that parents are doing for their kids.”

Nebraska’s First Lady Susanne Shore will be the official Pinwheel Ambassador, handing out pinwheels to families in attendance.

Courtney Phillips, Department of Health and Human Services CEO, who will speak at the event, noted the Prevention Picnic was the first community activity she and her family attended after arriving in Nebraska last year. “The Prevention Picnic is a fun introduction to the serious purpose of the work of our employees and partners to protect children and strengthen families to stop child abuse,” she said. “My family and I are looking forward to joining other families in recognition of the role of parents to foster healthy family relationships.”

Todd Ogden, Deputy Director of the Downtown Lincoln Association and Nebraska Children and Families Foundation Board Member, will kick off the event.

Funded with a grant from the Nebraska Child Abuse Prevention Fund and Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, this picnic is a celebration of positive parenting and an observance of Child Abuse Awareness Month.

At the picnic

After the kickoff, Mike Mennard of the family-friendly band the Mighty Magic Pants will entertain kids and parents alike. Kids can get airborne in the bounce house, get their faces painted and claim a balloon animal, while all guests enjoy snacks from Jimmy Johns, who have graciously agreed to sponsor the event, and other area food vendors. There will also be free giveaways and educational materials on positive parenting.  Every picnicker will take home a pinwheel of their own as a souvenir.

Why Pinwheels?

For several years, Prevent Child Abuse America has used the pinwheel as the national symbol of child abuse awareness. In communities across the country, Child Abuse Prevention Councils plant pinwheel gardens to bring awareness to the need for prevention efforts.

"Pinwheels symbolize the safe, happy childhood that every child deserves,” said Kathy Stokes, Director of Prevent Child Abuse Nebraska. “But parenting can be tough. Reaching out for help and education is a sign of strength. And we want Nebraska’s families to know that positive parenting support is available, whether your kids are newborns through teens."