Challenge grant in reach for September’s WALK for Children in Montpelier

July 8, 2023

The WALK for Children includes activities at the State House including a visit from Spider-Man. Photo by Stephen Mease

To the community: 

Prevent Child Abuse Vermont will hold its annual WALK for Children in Montpelier on Saturday, Sept. 30. Now in its 24th year, this family-friendly event is held to raise funds for and awareness of the work of PCAVT. 

This year the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation has provided a challenge grant. Once PCAVT raises $20,000, the foundation will match with an additional $20,000. We are so grateful for the generosity of the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation as this grant can encourage participants to register and begin fundraising, knowing that efforts will be doubled up to $20,000, and more children and families will benefit from the prevention and support work from PCAVT.

Registration is open now to start a team or register as an individual participant. On Sept. 30, registration opens at 9 a.m. with the WALK starting at 10 a.m. on the State House lawn (also the finish). In addition, there will be information and activities for all ages, including face-painting, a photo booth, and visits from characters including Spider-Man.

The WALK for Children is a fundraiser for Prevent Child Abuse Vermont. File photo courtesy PCAVT

All proceeds from the event will go to support the effective child abuse prevention programs and training that PCAVT conducts. Information about the WALK is available at pcavt.org/events. On the WALK website, walkers will find tools to help with fundraising. Teams even can fundraise if they are unable to attend in Montpelier – they can walk wherever they are. 

PCAVT is a nonprofit with a mission to promote and support healthy relationships within families, schools, and communities to eliminate child abuse. Serving Vermont began as Parents Anonymous of VT in 1976 and has grown to have a helpline and three main programmatic areas: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention, Family Support Programs, and the Safe Environments for Infants and Toddlers Program. PCAVT partners with over 250 organizations across Vermont, and many more both nationally and internationally. PCAVT’s programs are skills-based, teaching adults how to nurture healthy development in children and emphasizing adult responsibility in keeping children safe.

Mary Rockwell Thon, 

Development Director

Prevent Child Abuse Vermont

Montpelier