You are invited to join the Child Protection Center (CPC) for a magical evening at the 13^th Annual Blue Ties & Butterflies gala, a celebration of the transformational healing that’s being made possible for survivors of child abuse here in our own community. This impactful event is being held in Child Abuse Prevention Month on Friday, April 10^th, 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. 

Blue Ties & Butterflies raises essential support for CPC’s mission of over 45 years – to prevent, intervene in, and treat child abuse across Sarasota and DeSoto counties. The nonprofit is excited to announce that this year’s event will feature former elite gymnast Emily Meinke, who will share her journey from victim to survivor after testifying against U.S. Olympic doctor Larry Nassar, highlighting the momentous power we each have in prevention. 

The name “Blue Ties & Butterflies” reflects two powerful symbols: the blue ribbon, the national symbol of child abuse awareness and prevention; and the butterfly, symbolizing a child abuse victim's transformational journey from victim, to survivor, to one who thrives. A previous client of CPC’s therapy programs said, “[Therapy] at the Child Protection Center didn’t just change my life — it saved it. Your donation creates healing. It restores hope. It gives survivors the tools to rise, rebuild, and reclaim their lives — just like I did.”

The evening will begin with a beautiful cocktail reception followed by a delicious dinner, splendid live and silent auctions, opportunities to win a ROLEX, and the empowering mission moment with former elite gymnast Emily Meinke. The night will conclude in a joyous celebration of hope, music, and dancing as we commemorate all that our community makes possible in protecting vulnerable children.

“CPC serves as the chrysalis that helps these children heal, develop, and grow, providing a safe place for our clients to share their experiences and rewrite their story,” says Douglas Staley, Executive Director of the Child Protection Center. “This transformational healing is made possible because of you, our advocates and supporters. Your compassion and generosity are what gives the children of CPC their wings.”

The funds raised through Blue Ties & Butterflies are critically important, providing direct support to CPC’s child abuse services and programs. In the organization’s 2025 Fiscal Year, they were able to accomplish the following with the help of community giving:

• review over 3,500 reports of child abuse and neglect placed in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties;
• provide 360 forensic medical examinations to assess signs of child abuse and neglect;
• conduct 574 prevention and personal safety workshops for over 53,000 children, parents, and professionals, all at no cost;
• provide 4,231.75 hours of specialized trauma-informed therapy to 317 survivors;
• facilitate 357 supervised visitations between children and their non-custodial parent; and
• connect survivors with PAWS therapy dogs, who provided 176 hours of their comfort and companionship for survivors maneuvering through the judicial system and healing process.

How to Attend:

Tickets and sponsorships are available at https://cpcsarasota.org/events/blue-ties-butterflies/. The event will take place Friday, April 10^th at 6:00 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota (1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, FL). Guests are encouraged to attend in cocktail or formal attire. The 2026 Blue Ties & Butterflies is presented by Bill & Karen Merrill, Graci & Dennis McGillicuddy, and Jerry & Fay Bainbridge, in partnership with Classic Creations in Diamonds & Gold and Sydney & Madison Koffman.