Colony Club raises money with pinwheels for Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey

OCEAN CITY - The Colony Club of Ocean City sold blue and silver pinwheels for a charitable cause at Ocean City's annual spring block party Saturday, May 6.

The club raised money toward Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey, a nonprofit founded in 1979 that works to prevent child abuse and neglect through education. The organization's prevention programs and initiatives include public awareness campaigns, parenting education programs, workshops and professional training, home visitation and initiatives that promote parental involvement in a child's education.

The Colony Club wanted to make visitors aware of the program through its pinwheel garden, which was set up in Mark Soifer Park across from City Hall, according to club members.

Supporters were asked to donate $1 for each pinwheel. The pinwheel was then planted in the garden to provide a reminder that all children deserve a healthy, happy, and safe childhood.

At an April 27City Council meeting, business administrator Jim Mallon read a proclamation from Mayor Jay Gillian that declared April 2017 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Several members of the Colony Club attended the meeting, including club president Diane Mozzo, Bonnie Hyson, Diane Root, Pat Smith, Barbara Weber and Jane Snyder, the club's southern district state project chairperson. The proclamation urged family and community communication in order to strengthen and provide a positive environment for all children.

The Pinwheel Garden was a success, according to club members. The Colony Club, part of the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs, supports programs that benefit the community.