Community members are invited to join the fight against child abuse by attending the Rotary Club of Davis’ 12th annual Big Night fundraiser, “Have a Heart for Children.” The event will run from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the El Macero Country Club, 44571 Clubhouse Drive.

A reception and silent auction begin at 5:30 p.m. — with piano music by Bob Ringwald — followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. and the grant awards to local recipients at 8 p.m. A live auction will cap the evening.

Davis Enterprise columnist Bob Dunning is the master of ceremonies.

Big Night proceeds will support the Rotary Club’s Child Abuse Prevention Program, which targets primary prevention of child abuse and focuses on public education and awareness.

Tickets are $75 each; to RSVP or obtain more information, contact Charre Symms at (530) 219-5810 or [email protected]

Since 1999, the club’s Child Abuse Prevention Program has helped reduce the incidence of child abuse locally, nationally and internationally, targeting primary prevention of child abuse through public awareness and education.

Accomplishments to date include:

* Long-term support of the Yolo Crisis Nursery;

* Ongoing support of the Multi-Disciplinary Interview Center’s parenting classes and first-responder training;

* Distribution of more than 3,000 “You Don’t Have to Let Your Baby Cry” CDs to new parents;

* Distribution of shaken baby syndrome training dolls in the United States and East Africa;

* Partnership with the Yolo County Children’s Alliance in funding a child abuse programs coordinator

* Promotion of the program to Rotary District 5160, Rotary International and more than 200 Rotary clubs around the world.

Rotary’s Child Abuse Prevention Program was established in 2000 by former club president Bud Wolf. Its goal is public awareness, education and prevention, with the aim of ensuring that every child in Yolo County grows up in a safe, happy environment.

“While we continue to participate in our local programs, our primary goal of bringing the tragedy of child abuse to the attention of the public and the Rotary clubs around the world remains a major effort,” Wolf said.

“Our premise is that if enough good people are informed of this tragedy, actions will be taken to reduce the incidence,” he said. “Every child who is spared the trauma of abuse is worth all of our efforts.”

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