FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2021
MEDIA CONTACTS: Gordon Tepper, Rebecca Cheng, Matthew Leonenko and Michael Anderson | (516) 869-7794
Town Officials Join Kyra’s Champions to Raise Awareness for National Child Abuse Prevention Month
North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Town Clerk Wayne Wink, Council Member Veronica Lurvey and Council Member Mariann Dalimonte, along with New York State Assembly Member Gina Sillitti, joined together with Kyra’s Champions to raise awareness for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“Kyra’s Champions is an outstanding child safety and advocacy group which works to bring attention to promote and protect children who are at risk of family violence,” said Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “My heart goes out to Kyra’s Mom, Jacqueline, and all of the families who have tragically lost a child due to senseless violence that could have been prevented. We are so glad that we could honor Kyra on what would have been her 7th birthday by working to bring more attention to National Child Abuse Prevention Month.”
Kyra’s Champions was founded by Jacqueline Franchetti in memory of her daughter Kyra, who was tragically killed by her father during an unsupervised, court sanctioned visit. Kyra’s Champions’ mission is to advocate for policy changes that promote and protect children and families at risk for family violence.
Town officials joined Shayna Blumenfeld, a student from Weber Middle School, who helped lead a group of volunteers in the Pinwheels for Prevention project which installed 744 blue pinwheels at Mary Jane Davies Green in Manhasset and Blumenfeld Family Park in Port Washington - two of Kyra’s favorite parks. The installation was held in conjunction with National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is held annually in April.
“These pinwheels are a fitting tribute to celebrate and honor Kyra’s life and legacy. Each of the 744 pinwheels honor the memory of the children who tragically lost their lives due to child abuse,” said Council Member Veronica Lurvey. “The Town is proud to be able to join Kyra’s Champions to bring attention to National Child Abuse Prevention Month and to have these blue pinwheels at two of Kyra’s favorite parks.”
“The Town of North Hempstead is proud to partner with Kyra’s Champions who are creating this wonderful tribute to a beautiful child, who’s enduring memory will help raise awareness about the extent of child abuse,” said Council Member Mariann Dalimonte. “The pinwheels from Kyra’s Champions will be on display at Mary Jane Davies Green and Blumenfeld Park in observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is observed every April.”
For more information on Kyra’s Champions visit: www.kyraschampions.org.