Rotary Club of Seminole Lake’s monthly event benefits children in foster care system
SEMINOLE, Fla. (March 27, 2023) – Family Support Services of Pasco & Pinellas Counties (FSS) joins the First Friday in April at Seminole City Center to raise awareness about child abuse prevention and the ongoing need for foster families. First Friday is sponsored by Seminole City Center in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Seminole Lake. Patrons of the First Friday Seminole street party, now in its third year, will enjoy live music, fresh food and drinks, giveaways and more from 6-9 p.m. on the main street in front of Studio Movie Grill.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. FSS staff will have a tent at the April 7th First Friday event to provide information about the agency’s programs, including upcoming events for Child Abuse Prevention Month and information about becoming a foster parent. Throughout the month, child welfare agencies work in tandem with community partners to highlight the important prevention work that is being done to strengthen families.
“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to recognize the vital role we all play in supporting families in our communities and creating safe, stable environments for all our children,” said Jaclyn Citarella, FSS Community Engagement Manager. “FSS works to accomplish this goal every day through many initiatives. Our partnership with the Rotary Club of Seminole Lake provides an opportunity to connect further with our community and engage them with these important programs.”
Rotary Club of Seminole Lake’s monthly event is aligned with FSS’s mission. The group partners with Seminole City Center to raise funds for its Red Sled Initiative, which provides funding and holiday gifts for children in the foster care system through community-supported events including First Friday and its annual Red Party, which returns later this year.
The entertainment on Friday, April 7, will be one of Florida’s most popular bands, SEQUEL, with a variety of musical and vocal virtuosity, spanning all genres from the 60’s to today. Crossfire Creek Band (May 5) and Santana and Grand Funk Railroad Tribute (June 2) will appear in coming months. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, but coolers, food and drinks brought in from outside the event will not be allowed.
WHEN: Friday, April 7th
6:00 – 9:00 PM
WHERE: Seminole City Center
11201 Park Blvd. North
Seminole, FL 33772
About Family Support Services (FSS) of Pasco & Pinellas Counties
Family Support Services is the lead agency for family preservation, foster care and adoption services in Duval, Nassau, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Through community-based care, FSS provides services and programs to help prevent child abuse and neglect, to promote a healthy family environment and to care for our community’s children in foster care. For more information, go to familysupport.org.
About Rotary Club of Seminole Lake
The Rotary Club of Seminole Lake was chartered on October 20, 1980, by Rotary International as one of more than 25,000 clubs then existing throughout the world. The object of Rotary Club is to encourage and foster the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business and community life, high ethical standards in business and professions, and the advancement of understanding, goodwill, and peace in our local and international communities. The Rotary Club of Seminole Lake is in District 6950 composed of 48 Rotary Clubs. In 2022, the club was awarded Mid-Size Rotary Club of The Year.
About the Red Sled Initiative
The Red Sled Initiative was created to meet the need of providing Christmas presents to children in the foster care system. Since its inaugural year in 2015 the Rotary Club of Seminole Lake, in conjunction with a myriad of community support, has collected well over $550,000 worth of toys and gifts. The need continues and the Rotary Club of Seminole Lake is ready to serve!
To support the Red Sled Initiative or learn more about the Rotary Club of Seminole Lake, contact Gerry Cachia atgerry@williamclare.com.