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North Platte — Lincoln County CASA is preparing for Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month in April with a pair of community events aimed at raising awareness and supporting local children.
Executive Director Janet Vath said the month is especially significant for the organization.
“It’s a pretty important month. It’s for child abuse prevention. We see a lot of child abuse, child neglect in our court system. The majority of kids that come through court, that’s what they’re there for,” Vath said. “And so if we can get the awareness out about child abuse and prevention, that’s what we want to do.”
To kick off the month, CASA will host its third annual breakfast on April 1 at the Perry Memorial Art Center.
“We’re going to have our CASA third annual… CASA breakfast. Mayor Callagher will be there with a proclamation for the month of childhood prevention. We’ll have a silent auction, a free will donation,” Vath said.
The breakfast will run from 8 to 10 a.m. on the second floor of the art center and will include biscuits and gravy, fruit salad, coffee, tea and juice.
CASA will also host its Kevin Kennedy 5K Superhero Run and Fun Mile on April 11 at Iron Horse Park.
“We also have our Kevin Kennedy 5K Superhero Run and Fun Mile Run… that will be April 11th at the Iron Horse Park,” Vath said.
The 5K begins at 5 p.m., followed by the Kids Fun Mile at 5:45 p.m.
The event honors Kevin Kennedy, a former reserve deputy who was deeply involved with CASA.
“This race was his passion,” Vath said.
The run is designed to be a fun, family-friendly event, with organizers planning interactive elements for participants.
“We’re going to have a few villains out there chasing the kids this year again. It’s always a really big, fun event for us,” she said.
Participants who register will receive a race shirt and a bag with items donated by local businesses.
Vath said both events are centered on bringing the community together while highlighting the needs of children involved in the court system.
“Come out and just watch and see the fellowship and stuff with everyone. It’s a great time,” she said.