LANSING – State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) will serve as co-chair for the Children's Trust Fund of Michigan's Signature Event at the Lansing Center on Sept. 30. The nonprofit group aims to raise $500,000 to bolster their efforts to end child abuse in Michigan.
"I am honored to participate in this event, which helps improve the lives of children throughout the state," Byrum said. "As times get tough, it is the kids that often bear the greatest impact. That's why the work the Children's Trust Fund is doing is so important."
The Children's Trust Fund is a nonprofit state agency dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The program does not receive funding from the state – instead, the group relies on public and private donations and grants.
According to the Children's Trust Fund, for every $1 spent on child abuse and neglect prevention, $34 in taxpayer dollars are saved in foster care, special education and protective services. This number does not include juvenile delinquency programs or the costs of incarceration.
The event will be held at the Lansing Center on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. and will include both silent and live charity auctions. Admission is $100 per person. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/ctfsignature or call toll-free at (800) CHILDREN.