Recent News

March 10, 2006

Serious fun

Each year, new lawyers and local judges hit the lanes with their friends and colleagues for the Annual Rock n' Bowl for Children's Hospital in February. The sounds of gutter-bound balls, good natured ribbing, laughter and the tunes of Wags and Elliot fill the lanes with an energy only found among hordes of bowling attorneys. But there's a serious side to all this fooling around, and this side of the special event has a serious impact on children in this community.

Each year, proceeds from this major fundraiser benefits one of Columbus' most exiting and dynamic community projects, the Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Children's Hospital. The Center is the first facility in the country to fully integrate child abuse and domestic violence services under one roof to offer a full range of support for victims from prevention through long-term therapy and support.

Major community partners, including Columbus Children's Hospital, Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence, CHOICES, Columbus Police Sexual Abuse Detectives Squad, Franklin County Children Services, Franklin County Sheriff Jim Karnes and Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien, Prevent Child Abuse Ohio work together at the Center to provide a coordinated, professional, calculated and most important, highly effective initiative on behalf of all victims of abuse, past and present.

Most of the work of the Center is supported by the extraordinary philanthropic efforts of Columbus individuals and organizations. President and CEO Yvette McGee Brown is inspired by the generosity and commitment of donors and supporters. "We could not do our work without you," said McGee Brown of the many participants in Rock 'n Bowl 2006, "Last year alone, we assessed over 1,400 at risk children. We have engaged 2,000 parents in shaken-baby syndrome prevention programs. We do our work with children every day with your help and support."

The Columbus Bar is grateful to each and every participant in this year's event. We are proud to be part of your efforts and contributions. The impact of every single dollar raised can be seen in the lives of the children affected by the Center's work. Thank you.