"Memory Field" Provides Haunting Reminder of Ultimate Price of Child Abuse

CASTLE and Seacoast National Bank join forces in the fight against child abuse.

From February 15 though March 22, CASTLE's Memory Field, 100 white flags, each representing a child who died as a result of abuse in the State of Florida in 2006, appeared in Okeechobee, Stuart, Port St. Lucie and Vero Beach to help raise awareness of the communities CASTLE serves and the programs they offer to help prevent child abuse and neglect. The traveling field of flags completed its journey at CASTLE's headquarters in Fort Pierce with a moving dedication ceremony on March 25 with guest speakers Vern Melvin, District Administrator of the Department of Children and Family Services, CASTLE Board President David Rieger, Tony Schwab of CASTLE's Foundation Board and Theresa Garbarino-May, Executive Director for CASTLE.

Seacoast National Bank, co-sponsor of the Memory Field, presented CASTLE with a $3,000 check at the ceremony representing money raised at Seacoast branches over the four week journey and a dollar for dollar match contributed by Seacoast. "All of us at Seacoast are passionate about CASTLE's work. The Memory Field has been an inspiration," said Susan Bergstrom, Marketing Director for Seacoast National Bank and Board member for CASTLE.

CASTLE is grateful to all donors and sponsors in the communities where the Field traveled, who have so generously supported its parenting programs. A total of $6,380 was collected, through flag and ribbon sponsorships which will directly benefit those who need CASTLE's parenting support. The need is great - for every family CASTLE serves, three families are turned away for lack of funds.

The Memory Field will remain at CASTLE's Midway Road location to lend special emphasis to the meaning to Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Flag sponsorships are available throughout the month of April for $100 each, and blue ribbons symbolizing support for the prevention of child abuse may be purchased for $10 at all CASTLE locations. For further information, call CASTLE at 772-465-6011. This event is proudly sponsored by Seacoast National Bank, Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, Labor Finders and Gateway Building & Design.