More than 200 guests attended the annual Safe Kids luncheon held in the All Children's Education and Conference Center on June 23. The event saluted Safe Kids members as All Children's "most valuable players" in preventing unintentional injuries.
The Florida Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition is sponsored by All Children's Hospital and is comprised of more than 350 members representing 100 organizations in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk and Pasco counties. The Coalition consists of child advocates from every sector of the community: education, law enforcement, fire/rescue, private industry, public health, health care, social services, parents and volunteer service groups.
Staffed by ACH Outreach Coordinators Amy Heinzen and Jean Shoemaker, the Safe Kids program addresses the greatest injury risk areas for children 0 - 14 years: motor vehicle injury, bicycle and pedestrian injury, drowning, and other injuries in the home, school and community.
The event included awards to four individuals: Guiga Vieira, a mom who started a walking school bus in Pasco County; Stacy Cummings, a mom whose son was involved in a near drowning. This year Stacey served as a Safe Kids spokesperson for pool safety; William Koshedub-Colaco, a 10-year old who helped save a life by administrating CPR; and Sara Becont, a 2nd grader who promotes the importance of wearing a helmet when riding her bike.
Retiring member Lou Jorden, Polk County Safe Kids Council, was given special recognition, while All Children's and Safe Kids presented the Children's Burn Foundation with a check to support its efforts with burn camps for kids. The Curlew Creek Elementary School "Walkers" presented their original Keep Safety C.L.O.S.E. campaign and sang Safety Doodle for those attending.
