Light of Hope event focuses on child abuse

March 30, 2007

BY DIMITRA LAVRAKAS

Frontiersman

On Sunday, five local agencies will sponsor the annual Light of Hope event to commemorate April as Child Abuse Awareness Month and to increase awareness of abuse in the Valley.

Since its inception four years ago, the event has become well-known.

&#8220It's really grown this year,” said Jamey Duhamel, family advocate for The Children's Place in Wasilla and coordinator of the event. &#8220The past years have been really quiet, and it didn't really involve the community. It was more for social service organizations.”

The event begins at 2 p.m. at Wasilla High School, when there will be a mint green ribbon-tying ceremony. The public is invited to come and tie the ribbons to a fence at Wasilla High School on Bogard Road. The ribbons will be left on the fence for the month so people passing can be made aware that 396 children were neglected or sexually and physically abused in the Valley last year.

After, there will be hot beverages to warm up people after what Duhamel said would most likely be a cold outing.

Duhamel said the event is for awareness and to let people know what kind of services are offered to abuse victims in the Valley.

&#8220Our event isn't designed to prevent child abuse, but to bring attention to people who have been working tirelessly for victims of abuse,” said Duhamel.

Nine awards will be given out. Duhamel said the recipients are aware they will be receiving the awards, so they know to be there, but the names will not be released to the public until Sunday's ceremonies. John Klapperich of KMBQ, as master of ceremonies, will hand out the awards.

Participants are invited to light a candle as a symbol of shedding light on the problem and in recognition of the children who have been affected.

Wasilla Mayor Dianne M. Keller will read Gov. Sarah Palin's proclamation on child abuse and neglect.

Activities and educational tables to promote healthy family fun are planned, and &#8220lots of free food and door prizes,” Duhamel said.

Things for families to do at the event include planting seeds, face painting, miniature bowling, paper airplanes, marshmallow relay, macaroni art, balloon darts, bean-bag toss, stamp art, story telling, making paper bag puppets, making bracelets, coloring and a mini-cake walk.

Local organizations that service young victims of abuse - CASA's for Children, The Children's Place, Alaska Family Services, LINKS, and Stone Soup Group - have come together to coordinate the event. More than 50 people have volunteered their time or services, Duhamel said.

There will also be information about where to go for help and how to become a foster parent, she said.

&#8220It's been pretty amazing,” Duhamel said of the community support for the event.

For more information on the Light of Hope, call 746-0571.

Contact Dimitra Lavrakas at 352-2269 or valleylife@

frontiersman.com.