The Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) gears up to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month in April with a weekend around the theme, “Step Up for Kids.”
The weekend begins on Friday, April 20 with a Step Up For Kids Rally at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Bluffton High School. Elizabeth Smart, abducted from her Utah bedroom in 2002 at the age of 14, will serve as guest speaker and deliver a message of hope — empowering victims and helping prevent abuse. General admission tickets may be purchased ahead of time for $15 each or will be available at the door for $20. Premier

[caption id="attachment_6373" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Elizabeth Smart, abducted from her Utah bedroom in 2002 at the age of 14, will serve as guest speaker and deliver a message of hope."]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Elizabeth-Smart_2012-headshot-01.png"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-6373" title="Elizabeth Smart_2012 headshot 01" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Elizabeth-Smart_2012-headshot-01-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>[/caption]

tickets are available for $100.. Premier ticket holders and sponsors will be invited to attend a special reception in a private home prior to the rally where they will have the opportunity to meet Elizabeth Smart. Tickets may be purchased from CAPA’s Closet (1340 Ribaut Road, Port Royal), Markel’s Card and Gift (Kitties Crossing, Bluffton), or Lowcountry Day Preschool (Bluffton). Call 843-524-4350 with questions.
On Saturday, April 21, CAPA will host the Step Up for Kids 5K/10K in downtown Beaufort. The event begins in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park where Elizabeth Smart will officially start the race. Participants are invited to run, walk or push a stroller for either the 5K or 10K. Play Hard Event Timing is timing the event and cost is $35 per adult and $15 per junior walker (ages 8-12). Register by calling 843-524-4350 or online at www.active.com.
“CAPA is excited about this unique opportunity to bring Elizabeth Smart here with her powerful message about her abduction and recovery which motivates parents, law enforcement and leaders worldwide to focus on children’s safety,” said Susan Cato, CAPA executive director.
The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time. Elizabeth reminds us that it is community effort to keep kids safe. Let’s all take a step for the safety and well-being of Beaufort County’s children and families.