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Every Child Is At Risk - Help Prevent Abuse With Your Gift!
It Takes a Village to Keep Children Safe!
All of us at Dunebrook extend a heartfelt THANK YOU for your generous past support. Over the last year, Dunebrook has touched more than 52,000 lives – an incredible impact we share because it truly “takes a village.” Whether you made a financial gift, attended our Dragon Boat Family Festival, or referred a family to us, we appreciate your help in moving Dunebrook’s mission forward.
I am honored to be Dunebrook’s Executive Director for four years. As both a member of this community and a pediatric dentist, I have always understood the impact of Dunebrook’s work.
But last summer, I was reminded once again just how vital it truly is.
I was picking up my six-year-old daughter from camp at the Duneland YMCA. Since it was a nice evening, we headed to the nearby splash pad. I was still dressed in professional attire and was wearing my Dunebrook ID. A young boy came up to me and asked me, “Do you go to Dunebrook” and pointed to my ID. I thought about his question and realized he was equating my badge to a school badge. So, I answered proudly that I did in fact go to Dunebrook!
He told me about his classroom presentation and started the hand motions that accompany the M. Burr Foundation’s 5 Safety Rules that he learned in Body Safety. As he is doing this, my daughter joins in because she had Ms. Sara’s presentation for the first time this year as a kindergartener. All of a sudden, kids from all across the splash pad are joining in. It was like a staged social media event, except it was not staged at all. All of these kids knew the 5 Safety Rules and were proud of it!
These children are just a few of the thousands who participated in Body Safety last year. As Dunebrook’s Executive Director, seeing that they not only understood - but retained - what our Public Education Team taught them filled me with pride.
As a parent, I also felt deep gratitude, because my six-year-old has the words to help her stay safe.
Yet the reality is sobering. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys will experience sexual violence by their 18th birthday.The truth is, every child is at risk. The encouraging news is that child sexual abuse is preventable through education, awareness and community action.
We know you are asked to give often. Consider that a donation to Dunebrook is an investment with lasting impact. Every $1 invested in prevention services is estimated to save $7 in future intervention costs related to abuse and trauma.
Children are doing their part by remembering the 5 Safety Rules. They are counting on adults to do their part. Together, we can reach our $50,000 goal by December 31, 2025.
Your gift is needed, and your generosity makes a difference to ensure that no child’s safety is left to chance.
With gratitude,
Dr. Tammy Button, DDS MSD
MSD Executive Director