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Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette Logo Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette

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Walk for Kids this Sunday to benefit CRICKET Center

(April 27, 2017) To raise funds and generate attention during Child Abuse Awareness Month, the nonprofit CRICKET Center in Berlin will host its fourth annual Walk for Kids on the Boardwalk this Sunday, April 30.
“This event is special because it’s all about prevention,” said CRICKET Center Executive Director Wendy Myers. “While we do need the funds, our main goal is prevention. Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) are our best defense against child abuse and we are the only CAC in Worcester County.”
Registration begins at 11 a.m. at Hooters, on Fifth Street and the Boardwalk, with the walk kicking off at noon. A $25 donation includes the walk, a commemorative token and lunch at Hooters.
The route starts at Hooters with walkers heading down to the inlet, turning around and coming back, which is a little more than a mile, Myers said. Others may decide to keep going down to 27th Street.
There will be Girl Scout volunteers along the route with water and trophies will be awarded to the top individual and team who raises the most funds, Myers said.
“April is Child Abuse Awareness Month,” she said. “It is our mission to spread the word about child abuse and how we can prevent it. Also, lessen the trauma to child victims after it occurs.”
All participants are invited to Hooters after the walk for a buffet which includes salads, wraps, wings and additional lite fare foods.
“Our event sponsor, Hooters, donates the entire buffet luncheon,” Myers said. “They are extraordinarily generous.”
There will also be unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, happy hour prices for alcoholic beverages and a raffle.
The raffle winner will take home a paddleboard and paddle valued at $850. Tickets will be available for purchase until the winner is drawn at Hooters after the race.
Last year, more than 100 participants raised more than $10,000 for the CRICKET Center.
“We already have more walkers registered this year and our goal is [to raise] $12,000,” Myers said.
The Children’s Resource Intervention Center, Kids Empowerment Team (CRICKET) Center employees work as a comprehensive team to investigate, prosecute and treat child physical and sexual abuse by minimizing the trauma, preventing further victimization and promoting emotional healing for the victim and their loved ones.
They partner with local law enforcement, Atlantic General Hospital, Life Crisis, Inc., the Board of Education, child protection workers and the State’s Attorney Office.
The nonprofit provides a variety of free services to children and their families including a 24-hour response, on-site forensic medical exam by a SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner) nurse, on-site therapist, forensic interviewers and family advocate, community education on child abuse, an assessment and investigation of child neglect, physical, sexual and mental abuse, and when warranted by evidence the prosecution of offenders.
The CRICKET Center in Berlin is one of two accredited child advocacy centers on the Eastern Shore by the National Children’s Alliance with the other located in Talbot County, Myers said.
The nonprofit organization relies heavily on grants and donations to provide victims and their families with the help they need.
“We never charge any fee or bill insurance for any services we provide including medical and mental health services,” Myers said.
The next event is its second annual, “An Evening at The Hobbit,” slated for Wednesday, Oct. 25.
“This event features delicious food at the Hobbit [on 81st Street] and a very special live and silent auction,” Myers said. “Also, the Sea or Sand raffle winner will be drawn at this event.”
Register for the walk online at www.thecricketcenter.com. For more information, contact Myers at 410-641-0097 or wendy.myers@maryland.gov.