First Lady Patti Blagojevich welcomes Merchandise Mart's help in promoting awareness of Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Month

 

First Lady Patti Blagojevich welcomes Merchandise Mart's help in promoting awareness of Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Month

 

CHICAGO—Illinois First Lady Patti Blagojevich and Chris Kennedy, President of Merchandise Mart Properties Inc., announced that the Merchandise Mart will be illuminated in blue lights each evening throughout the month of April in recognition of Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Month. 

 

"Child abuse is a devastating crime that, sadly, often goes unnoticed.  I commend Chris Kennedy and the Merchandise Mart for joining us in raising awareness of child abuse and its prevention," said the First Lady, who last week joined the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and Prevent Child Abuse Illinois at a Child Abuse Prevention service at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago.

 

A blue ribbon is the international symbol for the prevention of child abuse. The color blue is used throughout Child Abuse Prevention Month because it represents the bruised bodies of the thousands of children that are abused each day. The lighting of the Merchandise Mart in blue serves as a memorial to children who have been touched by abuse and neglect, and encourages awareness of the need to prevent child abuse and neglect.

 

The Clock Tower of Chicago's Wrigley Building will also be illuminated in blue throughout April in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

 

Photos and b-roll of the Merchandise Mart illuminated in blue are available. Please contact

Nicole Serr at (312) 527-7841. Photos of the First Lady and Chris Kennedy at the Merchandise Mart flipping the switch to turn on the building's blue lights are also available. Please contact Steva Maram at (312) 814-2125.