Child Abuse Prevention Month Calendar - Child Protection Center

Important Dates Throughout CAPM

April 3: Wear Blue Day
- Blue is the color for child abuse prevention. Join us in spreading awareness for #WearBlueDay on Friday, April 3rd by going #BlueForKids! Share your commitment with family, friends, and coworkers and encourage them to join you in wearing blue, take a pic, tag CPC, and use the hashtags! (For extra fun, if you tag CPC or email your pics to shannonm@cpcsarasota.org, we just might feature you in a #BlueForKids wrap-up video at the end of April!) Missed the 3rd? No worries- you can raise awareness and share #BlueForKids pics all month long!
April 7: Wear Teal Day
- Teal is the color of sexual assault awareness and prevention. In support of SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center) and survivors of assault and domestic violence, wear teal and post photos to social media using #SAAM #SPARCC #DayofAction #SupportSurvivors and tag @SPARCC_Sarasota to help spread awareness!
April 8: Walk in My Shoes
- Join SPARCC, the Lauren’s Kids Foundation, Child Advocacy Centers, and thousands of walkers across the state for the 2026 Walk in My Shoes to bring awareness, education, hope, and healing to the fight against child sexual abuse. The Sarasota leg of the walk kicks off with an 8:30 AM registration at SPARCC, located at 2139 Main St, and will be 5 miles in length. Visit LaurensKidsWalk.org to register and learn more!
April 10: Blue Ties & Butterflies Gala
- Want to learn more about how your support of CPC is a beacon of light in the fight against child abuse? We’d love to see you at our signature event, the Blue Ties & Butterflies gala, at the Ritz-Carlton on April 10th! This year’s event will feature a Mission Moment with former elite gymnast Emily Meinke, who will share her journey from victim to survivor after testifying against U.S. Olympic doctor Larry Nassar. This event has sold out in previous years so don’t wait to get your tickets. Click here for Blue Ties & Butterflies tickets.
April 14: Digital Action Day
- Prevent Child Abuse America asks the public to send a unified message to Congress that prevention is possible when we invest in families early. Use their simple action alert to send your message – it’s easy and fast! *These messages can be sent ahead of time as well!
April 15: Jeni’s Ice Cream Social Fundraiser
- Join us at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at University Town Center (190 N Cattlemen Rd #4, Sarasota) from 4-7 PM for a give back event, with 25% of all in store sales — including scoops, pints, and merchandise — being donated back to CPC!
April 15-16: The Giving Challenge
- Happening noon to noon, April 15-16, The Giving Challenge is an exciting 24-hour online giving event with donations being matched up to $100 each. Click here to get a reminder to give!
April 16: Volunteer Day at CPC
- Held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. CPC is busier than ever and we need your help. Our goal is to further connect you to our mission, give you a behind-the-scenes look into what we do, and to tackle our ever-growing to-do-list. To get involved, contact Lou Ann at LouAnnL@CPCSarasota.org or 941-365-1277 Ext. 120.
April 13-17: Five Days of Action
- Five Days of Action is a week-long campaign with the YMCA designed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse. All youth-serving organizations are invited to participate!
April 24: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 5K
- Free of charge! Walk or run to help crime survivors find their justice. Join the Sarasota County Victim Advisory Council in partnership with the National Organization for Victim Assistance for the annual NCVRW 5K! Join advocates, crisis responders, survivors, and community members as we walk together to raise awareness for the advancements of crime victims’ rights. No registration fee or sign-up; just show up with your water and your sneakers. Can participate in person at Rothenbach Park (8650 Bee Ridge Rd at 8:00 AM) or virtually from your own preferred location.
April 29: Denim Day
- This is a day of awareness to honor and support victims and survivors of sexual violence. People are encouraged to wear denim to combat victim blaming and educate others about sexual violence. If posting on social media, use the hashtag #DenimDay.