Following the tragic death of her grandson at the hand’s of his mother’s abusive boyfriend in 1989, a Virginia grandmother began a movement to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect.  Since that time, the blue ribbon has become the symbol nationwide for child abuse prevention. 

In 2005, Child Protection Center launched a local campaign to blanket Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in blue to promote awareness of the tragic epidemic of child abuse.  By “Painting the Town Blue” throughout the month of April, we hope to provide a visual reminder of the need for child protection in our community. CPC is looking forward to another year of fantastic community and awareness events and invites you to get involved in the #PaintSRQBlue Campaigns. You can post videos, photos, and art to social media including Facebook, Twitter (@CPCSRQ) and Instagram with #PaintSRQBlue. Invite friends to “Like” your posts and those the most number of “Likes” will be entered into a drawing for a 2-night stay at the Sarasota Hyatt. Area businesses are invited to create blue window displays. Each participating business can proudly hang a Butterfly decal and post pictures on social media with #PaintSRQBlue.