THE SHOALS -The Kaiden Garner Project presents: Kaiden’s C.A.P. (Child Abuse Prevention) to raise awareness about victims of abuse in the northwest Alabama area. Kaiden Garner, a three year old child, died in August of 2020 as a result of blunt force trauma believed to have been inflicted by those entrusted with his care. A Walk-A-Thon in his memory will be held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, May 22, 2021, from the parking lot of Helen Keller Hospital, to followed by an event at Avalon Park in Sheffield, Alabama.
The abuse awareness event at Avalon Park will include speakers, testimonials, musical performances, free food, and activities for children. There will be information available relating to coping mechanisms, ways to report suspected abuse, statistics of abused and neglected children, the economic impact of abuse, and support for victims. Musical performances scheduled include the Gray Sisters, Howell Sledge, Renewed, Cole Nichols, Noah Eaton, the Kaiden C.A.P. Band, and others. Kaiden’s mother, Leslie Garner, will chronical the event. Commemorative t-shirts will be available for purchase. CDC guidelines will be followed and attendees will be asked to adhere to social distancing recommendations.
The Kaiden’s C.A.P. Committee, comprised of volunteers representing individuals, organizations, and businesses, met over the past weeks in order to plan the event to bring attention to victims who have been harmed or killed as a result of abuse, and to raise awareness about abuse prevention. Those involved include Kaiden’s family and friends, health care professionals, business owners, elected officials, media, Court Appointed Special Advocates (C.A.S.A.), the Cramer’s Children’s Center, the Free and Accepted Masons, and other members of the community.
Shuttle service will be provided by local churches to enable Walk-A-Thon participants to leave vehicles at Helen Keller Hospital parking lot, or at Sterling Boulevard Church of Christ. The route, beginning at Helen Keller Hospital, 1300 South Montgomery Avenue in Sheffield, proceeding along Avalon Avenue, and ending at Avalon Park, is made possible with the cooperation of the cities of Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals. The Kaiden C.A.P. Committee thanks all volunteers, presenters, and city leaders who have made this event possible.
For more information, visit The Kaiden Garner Project on Facebook.
Media Release/Tori Bailey