FRiends Inaugural Rise to Thrive Lunch
Rise to Thrive Launch Lunch Kicks Off National Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness MOnth
We were honored to experience a beautiful day with 70 of our closest supporters and Friends to reveal the organizations new logo and THRIVELab program. The logo represents three waves of turning trauma into resilience for the children that flow though the Children’s Justice Center into the pool of Friends support.
Marketing and PR Director, Carrie Hill opened the event held at the beautiful Saola Resturant, with the description of the three waves: Take Action, Be Bold and Join Our Mission. But the most important part of the new logo is the child who has successfully jumped over the ball of the “i” in Friends, representing the resilience we hope for each child that enters the Friends organization.
Executive Director, Angela Martindale shared her experience as a contractor’s daughter and as a result is a builder by nature, who desires to work with other builders with vision. She shared data reflecting the breakdown of abuse children experience when they share their story at the CJC.
During Angela’s presentation, she introduced the story of Rosie, a 14 year old girl who was removed from her biological mother when she was 5 years old by Child Protective Services. She had been living in an abandoned trailer home with no running water and was sexually abused by her mother’s boyfriend. She was eventually adopted by a foster family who she recently shared her story of sexual abuse with. After she was taken to the CJC, she was able to share enough information that her perpetrator was found and prosecuted. Rosie’s mom was at the event to see her daughter featured in the Friends new video as she shed tears reflecting on the experience.
Our team also unveiled an incredible limited edition “I Am” coloring book designed by the UVU graphic design team of Ady, Andy, Katie and Briana, as a living art lobby installation for the children served by the CJC. The book features “I Am” statements of resilience and thriving to encourage the mission of the THRIVELab, offering alternative pathways of resilience building such as equine, art, music, dance and fitness therapy to rengage in childhood.
Additionally, an original poem was read by survivor Katie Martindale followed by the premiere of the “Rise to Thrive” playlist, curated by globally recognized DJ Megan Taylor, available as a gift on the donation confirmation receipt for those who support our mission.
Recognizing the true spirit of Rise to Thrive, the event was followed by watching an historic eclipse on the patio together with glasses, music and gifts from Johnathon’s Jewelers, Jo&Jax, Hotel Park City, Savory Fund, Carhartt, EMBR Rings, Mae Woven, Swire Coca-Cola, More Energy and KT Lifestyle.
We are so grateful for everyone in attendance and we look forward to an incredible future together.
Follow us on social media to see our event pictures and connect with us. Together we will do something BIG for small voices to be heard. Every kid deserves a friend.
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