Blue lights represent victims of child abuse

By Tom Blakey

Transcript Staff Writer

Members of the Exchange Club of Norman will light a Tree of Hope 7 p.m. Monday at the James Garner Plaza in downtown Norman. The ceremony is open to the community.

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and each of the 430 blue lights on the tree represents a victim of child abuse in Cleveland County in 2006 (the most current statistics).

By the $5 purchase of a blue bulb on the Tree of Hope, donors will benefit three Norman agencies in their ongoing projects with abused and neglected children: Center for Children and Families, Bethesda Inc. and Mary Abbott Children's House, organizers said.

Activities will include guest speakers from the three recipient agencies and several songs from professional entertainer Amanda Earhart. Afterward, the Tree of Hope will be lighted to "remember those small victims who suffered abuse or neglect in Cleveland County in 2006," said Exchange Club President-elect Janet Corley.

"The Exchange Club of Norman is encouraging community businesses and leaders to show support for children everywhere by promoting Blue Light events and fundraising during the month," Corley said.

Exchange Club members are encouraging offices, businesses and individuals in the Norman community to purchase an electric or battery-operated candle with a blue bulb. By placing the candle in the window of one's office, business or home, participants will make a statement that children must be honored, loved and cherished, organizers said.

"Encourage everyone on your block or in the offices of your building or street to show their support," Corley said.

Electric and battery-operated candles (batteries included) are $15 each, and can be purchased by contacting Exchange Club of Norman members Kelley Grace, Janet Corley, Chris Fourcade, Patty Wadsack, Melinda Morgan, Steve Bonner, Denyel Dibble, Patrick Grace, Linda Terrell, Cindy Brown, Jama Pecore, Robin Wilson, Dane Wilson, Penny Buchanan, Abby Welk, Tomi Walden, Bryan Wynne, Brandon Hopper or Scott Hofmann.

Individuals and business will be recognized for participation in the Tree of Hope promotion, Corley said.

According to statistics from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, there were more than 13,800 confirmations of child abuse and/or neglect in Oklahoma in 2006. The latest data available indicates 40 Oklahoma children died as a result of child abuse and neglect in 2005.

"Even one victim of child abuse and neglect is still one victim too many," said Secretary for Health and State Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Crutcher. "Survivors need counseling, social and health services for the rest of their lives in order to recover and to try to break the vicious cycle of abuse and neglect. This affects the health of families and entire communities for generations."

The members of the Exchange Club of Norman are professionals and community leaders joined together to serve the community through a variety of projects. The club meets at noon on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at Border Crossing Restaurant. Guests are welcome.