This years ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 19th, 2020. It will be held at the Cumberland County Community Complex in Crossville. This ceremony is very near and dear to us because it gives us a chance to spread awareness about the prevention of child abuse, how to recognize the signs of a child being abused, and what to do if you suspect a child may be being abused.

It is amazing at the number of people that do not know how or when to report abuse, including myself only a few years ago. We need to come together to help protect and love on our kids. This ceremony is not only the perfect opportunity to educate our community but also have a ton of fun doing it! It is, after all, a kids event... Let's throw in some balloon animals, maybe some face painting, a free lunch, some cool characters running around like Bob the Builder or Baloo from Jungle Book... Now we have a really awesome kids event, information getting to parents teachers and neighbors and the entire county of non profits that would do anything to help families in Crossville.

It's really a don't miss day!!! Usually we run from 12:30pm to 3pm. If it's any different, I'll post it here. Can't wait to start uploading some great info!

Cumberland County Schools to take part in Bumper Sticker Contest!

We are so proud of our students!  Every year, students get involved in the prevention of child abuse and design bumper stickers for our contest.  We have 3 categories. 3rd -5th Grade, 6-8th Grade and 9-12th Grade. With 9 elementary/middle schools and 2 high schools, we receive a lot of entries.  Even if they dont win, we use all the designs for display against child abuse all throughout the year. (see images below)

OUR CHURCHES AND BLUE SUNDAY

The Cumberland County Blue Ribbon Committee
“For the Prevention of Child Abuse”

Calling all churches!!! With April being child abuse awareness and prevention month, the Blue Ribbon Committee would like to invite all churches to participate in the National Movement of BLUE SUNDAY. What is BLUE SUNDAY you might ask? The blue ribbon is the national symbol of child abuse prevention and this movement invites the church community to promote awareness and focus on the importance of protecting our children from abuse. Millions of members along with their church participate in this event each year. Child abuse is not just a local issue, it is also a national problem. Here in Cumberland County alone, there were 660 reported cases of child abuse, with a total of 1,650 children affected in 2016.

How can your church be part of this movement? Check out the web-site below and you can register as a member free of charge and be counted in the millions that participate, also understand it is not required to register in order to present the free information to your church. On the web-site you will find the printable Blue Sunday church Bulletin, the Blue Sunday Flier and also there are informational and inspirational video clips that can be shown to the congregation. The main purpose is to pray for the children that suffer from abuse and for those that rescue them, and for wisdom to know how they can help. The National day for Blue Sunday is April 30th but you can choose any Sunday in April to support this movement.

Check out the Blue Sunday Web-site and links to the material below and make a difference. Also Save the date for April 19, 2020 for the Annual Blue Ribbon Ceremony at the Community Complex, doors open at 12:30 and ceremony starts at 1:15pm. Food provided.. Lots of activities for children and adults! Come and show your support.

www.bluesunday.org
Blue Sunday Flyer
http://www.bluesunday.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2017-Blue-Sunday-Day-of-Prayer-Ad.pdf

Blue Sunday Church Bulletin
http://bluesunday.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016-Church-Bulletin-free-online.pdf

“Removed” A very powerful video of a child in foster care.
https://vimeo.com/73172036

“Pebble in My Shoe” A powerful statement of prayer for the abused.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQyQsMwp57M&feature=youtu.be

For more information you may contact Denise Melton @ 931-707-2273

This year we are encouraging businesses to set up pinwheel gardens similar to these.  It is our way of showing our support for the children of our county.  Our kids need to know that we care and love them and they can SPEAK UP without fear and ask for help.

Our children need to be aware of abuse and how they can help themselves or a friend that confides in them.

This year's theme of "______" is geared towards kids to combat fear and promote love and care for each other.

More from the Blue Ribbon Committee

Cumberland County Community Advisory Board
Presents
The Annual Blue Ribbon Ceremony

With April being child abuse prevention month, the Blue Ribbon committee has been hard at work putting the finishing touches on this year’s Blue Ribbon Ceremony. The event will be held at the Community Complex on April 19th, 2020 with doors opening at 12:30pm and the ceremony beginning at 1:15pm. Tickets will be given out for a free meal for the first 300 in attendance. Bring your family and join the fun with face painting, balloon animals, Eddie the Eagle, Ollie the Otter, Kid’s ID and fingerprinting, Baloo “Blue Ribbon”, Thomas the Train and much more. Booths will be set up, offering prizes for the children as well as information on how to keep your children safe and healthy.

The blue ribbon is the national symbol of child abuse prevention and this annual Ceremony promotes awareness and focuses on the importance of protecting our children from abuse. Child abuse is not just a local issue, it is also a national problem. Here in Cumberland County alone, there were 660 reported cases of child abuse, with a total of 1,650 children affected in 2016.

The Theme of this year’s event will be “Speak Up to Prevent Child Abuse”. This year the local schools were invited to participate in a bumper sticker contest, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be given to the winners at the ceremony. Beautiful posters and bumper stickers created by students from this year and year’s past will also be on display.

This day of fun will culminate with a balloon release, a symbolic tribute to the children of Cumberland County who have suffered abuse in 2019.

Please attend so you can SPEAK UP, LEARN IT, KNOW IT, REPORT IT and STOP IT!
For more information you may contact Denise Melton @ 931-707-2273