1st Annual Swannanoa Invitational Benefit
for Child Abuse Prevention Services
Sat 6/1 at Native Kitchen and Social Pub
Free & Family Friendly with local music!
Activities include: 1930’s Style croquet tournament
Doors at 2pm
Tournament Registration Ends at 3:30PM
First Match Starts at 4:00PM
Championship Match at Sunset
Tournament Winners will walk aways with the “Prestigous Golden Mallet”
Award also given to Best Dressed
Tournament Registration fee: $10.00 per pair
REGISTER HERE
Beverages provided by Pisgah Brewing Company
“Every child deserves a fair shot at life.” These should be the words of every parent, but sadly, that’s not the case. On Saturday, June 1, 2013 the 1st Annual Swannanoa Invitational Benefit will take place at Native Kitchen and Social Pub in Swannanoa, NC starting at 2 P.M. The event will benefit Child Abuse Prevention Services, Inc. (CAPS).
Combining awareness, education and fun, the free event will feature activities for the whole family including a single-elimination, 1930’s style croquet tournament, local music and more. The tournament will start play at 4 P.M., culminating with a sunset championship match. The winners will walk away with the Prestigious Golden Mallet. An award will also be given for Best Dressed. Registration for the event begins May 9 online and at Native Kitchen and Social Pub.
“As an organization, we are very passionate about helping children and the child abuse issue is growing problem that is relevant across the world,” said Native Kitchen and Social Pub Partner, Brandon Ellison. Ellison and his wife, Meredith, along with business partners, Casey and Sarah Watkins, have been supporters of CAPS. “All our children have a chance to be the future leaders of our community. Each one deserves a chance to grow with love and support in a non-abusive environment.”
Child Abuse Prevention Services director Bill McGuire added that the numbers are staggering, “One in 5 children will experience abuse, half will be under 6 years old and tragically 4 children will die every day from abuse and neglect.”
“In recent years, funding for CAPS has been cut dramatically, over 20%,” said McGuire, “While a variety of funds from the United Way, private foundations, public donations and grants provide funding for our programs, it’s vitally important that we continue to bring in funds during this time.” In an effort to aid the non-profit, a portion of the proceeds from registration fees and beverages, provided by Pisgah Brewing Company, will go directly to CAPS.
When asked why a croquet tournament, Casey Watkins replied, “ Why not?! It’s such a fun and cool way to help raise awareness and funds for CAPS. It’ll be a day filled with fun, laughs, great memories, topped off with great local food, music and beverages.” As the championship match comes to a close, the event will feature live music inside Native Kitchen and Social Pub. Watkins adds, “It’s a perfect way to break in the summer season in the Swannanoa community.”
Also appearing at the event will be Smart Start of Buncombe County. The local non-profit will be on-site creating activities for younger children and talking with adults about the importance of sending their early-aged children to school healthy and ready to succeed. Other local non-profits will also take part in the event.
Originally founded in 1990 by local pediatrician Andrea Gravatt, CAPS started with child abuse medical evaluations,which are now done at Mission Children’s Center. Quickly growing with support of the community, CAPS serves as the cornerstone in awareness and prevention of child abuse in the area. Prevention/Personal Safety Education which started on a limited basis is now provided to all Asheville and Buncombe County schools K thru 5, using the “Talking About Touching” curriculum, an interactive program that empowers children with the abilities to be more open about uneasy situations and avoid or get out of abusive situations. As CAPS evolves, it now offers the following training for adults; ”Recognizing and Responding to Abuse,” ”Stewards of Children,” child sexual abuse prevention training, and Parenting Ed (“Becoming A Love and Logic Parent”). The organization also offers Crisis Intervention/Counseling for children and families who have experienced abuse.
Native was started by two NC couples who recognized the need for sustainable food practices, and a responsibility that we all share when it comes to our soil, water and air. Native strongly believes in supporting farming techniques, which are sustainable, organic and regenerative. These local farms restore the fabric of rural communities, decrease water and air pollution, preserve and build topsoil and produce wonderful crops. The foods they deliver to our tables are high in nutritive value and are without chemical residue. Their support to these dedicated farmers yields healthier ingredients that strengthens our sense of local community, builds our local economy and, most importantly, it is a vital step toward protecting these resources for future generations. It’s important to Native that they not only provide local food, but that they strive to support our local breweries, artists, musicians and community.
For more information about registration, CAPS and Native, go to www.nativesocialpub.com.
Dreamspider's Blog 