@Promises2Kids Pennies for Prevention {San Diego Events}

Promises2Kids announces their inaugural Pennies for Prevention campaign to raise much needed funds for the organization to support infants, kids and teens in San Diego foster care.

From pennies to quarters, every little bit of change helps make big changes for abused and neglected children who strive to make a better life for themselves. Several local businesses have already joined the effort to host events and collect funds during April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“With approximately 5,000 foster children in San Diego County at any one time, the communities’ effort is needed now more than ever,” said Tonya Torosian, CEO, Promises2Kids. “We are excited about the partnerships we have established for Pennies for Prevention, and encourage the community to come out to the events and support our effort to break the cycle of child abuse.”

Originally founded as the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation in 1981, Promises2Kids has led the fight against child abuse and neglect in San Diego County. Also known as the Polinsky Children’s Center Foundation, no other organization in the area offers such a broad array of services to break the cycle of child abuse. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.Promises2Kids.org, Facebook or Twitter.

Some of my favorite businesses across San Diego County are stepping up in support of Pennies for Prevention.

How You Can Help

Donate your spare change
Wendy’s will host coin collection boxes at each of their 30 San Diego County area locations throughout the entire month of April. “We are thrilled to partner with Promises2Kids for this exciting new initiative,” said Mike Cardinal, CEO, Pennant Foods, whose company owns more than 55 Wendy’s throughout Southern California. “Wendy’s strongly supports foster children through the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, and Promises2Kids is a natural alignment for us.”


Enjoy a tasty meal
Throughout the month of April, North Park hotspot Tiger! Tiger! Tavern will donate one cent for every one dollar in revenue.

On Thurs., April 19 from 2 p.m. to close, San Diego’s popular Luna Grill will host a fundraiser at all six locations throughout the county. They have pledged 30 percent of net proceeds to Promises2Kids. Luna Grill is located in the following San Diego area communities: Carlsbad, East Lake/Chula Vista, Hillcrest, Liberty Station/Point Loma, Mission Valley and Torrey Highlands. 


Go play with your kids
San Diego’s premiere indoor playground, Kid Ventures, will host special events at their Pacific Beach and Eastlake locations featuring Sign4Baby. The events, to be hosted in Eastlake on Tues., April 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Pacific Beach on Fri., April 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., will feature a baby sign language and sing-a-long led by Sign4Baby’s Joann Woolley, an art project with donation, and a raffle prize drawing for parents. Kid Ventures will donate $1 from each admission to Promises2Kids, as well as all proceeds from its monthly art projects at both locations.

Does your kid need a haircut?
Throughout the month of April Pigtails and Crewcuts, a hair salon exclusively designed to meet the needs of children and their parents in Point Loma’s Liberty Station, will donate 10 percent of the proceeds of all haircuts.


Become a better you
On Thurs., April 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Pacific Beach’s Fit Body Boot Camp is hosting the "How To Make 2012 Your Healthiest and Best Ever!,” an event designed to educate the community about strategies to promote healthy living. Admission to the event is free, but a minimum $10 donation for Promises2Kids is encouraged at the door.

To host an event at your location of business, please contact Veronica Vargas, director of development, Promises2Kids at 858-427-1103.

 For more information regarding Pennies for Prevention, including addresses for events, please visit www.Promises2Kids.org.