sharing Hope

April 3, 2007

By MATT TUNSETH

Frontiersman

WASILLA - On Sunday afternoon, 396 ribbons were tied to a fence outside Wasilla High School. Those who tied them would say that's 396 too many.

The ribbons were put in place as a reminder of the impact of child abuse and neglect in Mat-Su. Each of the ribbons represented a child who, according to the state, was reportedly abused in the area in 2006.

&#8220We're creating a visual representation of child abuse in the Valley,” said Jamey Duhamel, who organized the fourth-annual ribbon-tying ceremony.

More than 200 people turned out for the event, which also included a candle-lighting ceremony and awards presentation to recognize individuals fighting child abuse in the Valley.

The ribbon-tying event was part of a statewide campaign promoted by the Juneau-based nonprofit group &#8220Rid Alaska of Child Abuse.” The candle-lighting was part of the nationwide &#8220LIght of Hope,” which is sponsored by the national Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) group. Both events were held on the same day, April 1, in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month.

Alaska has one of the highest child abuse rates in the nation, with 9,411 reports of harm in 2006, according to the state's Office of Children's Services.

Event emcee John Klapperich said those numbers are far too high.

&#8220When you rob the dreams of a child, it is probably the worst thing that can happen in life,” Klapperich said.

Receiving awards for working to fight child abuse and neglect were Tammy Pennington (advocacy services), Harriet Smith (community member), Susan Frisby (child protection), Diann Demoski (education), Angela and Shane Newbold and Michelle and Shawn Brinkman (foster parents), Lori Houston (health care services), Shannon Fore (judicial services) and Gwen Emel (tribal).

Each was nominated for their work in the community in support of children and children's issues.

Wasilla Mayor Diane Keller was on hand for the ceremony and said each of those recognized - as well as everyone working in the field - deserves high praise.

&#8220What amazing assets we have in our community,” she said.

Keller said she hopes the event will inspire others in the Valley to follow in the footsteps of those already working to make the world a better place for Mat-Su children.

&#8220I hope you are inspired today by those who have taken up this cause,” she said.

Contact Matt Tunseth at 352-2265 or matt.tunseth@frontiersman.com