The Collier Children’s Advocacy Center (Collier CAC) will host its annual “Pinwheels at the Pier” event Friday, April 3, at 8 a.m., at Lowdermilk Park, 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples. The event marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month and is free and open to the public.

    Community members are invited to participate by purchasing a pinwheel in honor of a child. Pinwheels may be purchased in advance online at caccollier.org/patp, with proceeds supporting Collier CAC’s trauma-informed programs and services. Attendees may also help place pinwheels in the sand on the morning of the event and take photos.

Collier CAC staff and volunteers will place more than 1,400 pinwheels in the sand as a visible reminder that child abuse happens here in Collier County. The pinwheel display symbolizes that prevention requires community awareness and action. Now in its 10th year, the event has become the largest pinwheel display in the U.S. and the only one held directly on the beach. Each year, the pinwheels are arranged in a unique design, symbolizing hope, healing and resilience of the children Collier CAC serves. 

To learn more about “Pinwheels at the Pier” or to purchase a pinwheel, visit caccollier.org/patp.