In Massachusetts there are over 80,000 abused children.
Springfield, 4/10/11, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, center, cuts the yellow ribbon to start the Exchange Club of Springfield and the Mass. Society for the Prevention of Cruelity to Children's first Miles For Smiles walkathon at Forest Park. Kateri B. Walsh is at right and Arlene Putnam with the Exchange Club and Chairperson of the walkathon is at far right.SPRINGFIELD – For more than 10 years the Exchange Club has been donating money to organizations that help abused children.
Sunday the non-profit organization held the first Miles for Smiles walk at Forest Park.
“ We are dedicated to supporting organizations like the Gray House in Springfield who work with children suffering from abuse,” said William Duquette, a member of the club and one of the event organizers.
Duquette said the Exchange Club is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
“The organization has been around a long time and its always been committed to helping those in need,” he said.
Duquette said child abuse is prevalent nationwide. “It is a big problem. Here in Massachusetts there are over 80,000 abused children,” he said.
About 100 people participated in the walk, which is in its first year.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, his wife Carla and their daughters Cassandra, 13 and Chiara, 11, participated in the walk. The girls volunteered to make signs for the event.
“We got sponsorships for the event from Dot Lortie from Landmark Realty, Hampden Bank and MacMillian and Son, so the girls made signs thanking them,” said Carla Sarno.
Sarno is not a member of the Exchange Club, but she wanted to help.
“I try to be a part of any events that support children,” she said.
Cassandra Sarno, 13, and Zaryah Allison, 14, worked on the signs and participated in the walk.
“I just wanted to help out and stand against child abuse,” Cassandra Sarno said.
Entertaining children and adults alike where the clowns of Clowning for Kids, an organization based in West Warren that supports children’s events across the state.
“We are all about the kids. We come out to events that are raising money to support children’s programs and we entertain the children,” said James “Nit-Wit” Allard, one of the head clowns. “Today we were sponsored by Scuderi Engine and were able to provide free cotton candy for the walkers.”
Domenic Sarno thanked the crowd for supporting the event.
“No young person should be abused or live in fear,” Sarno said. “ It’s people like you and organizations like this that will help put a stop to child abuse.”