Gala to Bring Transformational Healing to Child Abuse Survivors
The Child Protection Center (CPC) will host the 13th Annual Blue Ties & Butterflies gala on Friday, April 10th of 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, bringing the community together for an inspiring evening dedicated to healing and hope for survivors of child abuse. The signature fundraising event supports CPC’s mission of over 45 years – to prevent, intervene in, and treat child abuse across Sarasota and DeSoto counties. This year’s event will feature former elite gymnast Emily Meinke, who will share her
Child Protection Center Launches New Online Resource Library to Support Families and Protect Children
The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) is proud to announce the launch of its new Resource Library, a comprehensive and ever-growing online hub of tools, information, and crisis-hotline links designed to empower families, caregivers, community members, and professionals in protecting children. With this Resource Library, CPC aims to provide easily accessible and user-friendly support for families near and far. The resource guides are presented in a way to reduce the fear and anxiety that often surround
Now Announcing the ‘Hope on the Run’ 5K Series
The Hope on the Run 5K Series is a community-centered running initiative designed to unite participants of all ages and abilities in support of local survivors of child abuse and children in foster care. This empowering three-race series invites runners, walkers, and supporters to hit the pavement while making a direct impact on local lives. Hosted in a county-wide partnership with Bridge A Life, the Child Protection Center, and The Twig, the Hope on the Run 5K Series celebrates compassion, community
Community Came Together to Bring Holiday Joy to Clients of the Child Protection Center
The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) is proud to announce the success of its annual Holiday Wish List Drive, during which the Sarasota-DeSoto community came together to bring comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy to children and families who are healing in the aftermath of child abuse or neglect. Community members, local businesses, faith groups, and organizations contributed gifts, essential items, and support to these resilient survivors and families working to rebuild their lives. CPC’s clients
CPC Presents 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Walter Lambert
The Child Protection Center (CPC) proudly awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Walter Lambert at the annual Blue Ties & Butterflies Gala. This award honors a career dedicated to protecting children, advancing medical knowledge, and leading transformational change within Florida’s child welfare system. Dr. Lambert has served tirelessly for the past 36 years as a beacon of expertise, compassion, and commitment. As a Child Protection Team (CPT) Medical Director and Associate Statewide Medical
Child Protection Center Honors Four Foundations With Sapphire Award
The Child Protection Center (CPC) proudly presented the Sapphire Award at its annual Blue Ties & Butterflies gala in April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, to four exceptional foundations. The foundations were honored for their enduring support and leadership, which have helped shape the agency's 45-year legacy in the fight against child abuse. In celebration of CPC’s 45th anniversary, the Sapphire Award—named after the traditional 45th anniversary gem—was created to recognize long-standing community