Violence Prevention Collaborative holds Peace Awards luncheon Sept. 26

Online Staff Report

Wednesday, Sept. 26, the Violence Prevention Collaborative of the Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD) will host its annual Peace Awards, along with a seminar, “Navigating the Digital Pitfalls of Today’s Youth: Internet Safety & Cyberbullying” at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Sarah Migas of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office will be the featured seminar presenter. The seminar runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.. The Peace Awards luncheon begins at 11:45 a.m. The registration fee of $50 includes continental breakfast, seminar materials and the Peace Awards luncheon.

The Violence Prevention Collaborative (VPC) is composed of more than 20 formal members including community, social service agencies, grassroots organizations, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, health care, education and judicial sectors of the community.

The VPC’s mission statement is to create safe inclusive communities in Boone and Winnebago counties. The vision statement is to promote a community-wide coalition of agencies, organizations, adults and youth to promote violence prevention.

The VPC will honor one individual and one organization with the 2012 Partner for Peace Award during the luncheon, chosen from nominations received from the community. A Pioneer in Peace Award, chosen by committee, will also be given to an individual or group who has demonstrated a long-term commitment and dedication to violence prevention. The awards will be presented by Judge Rosemary Collins, 17th Judicial Circuit. This year’s emcee is Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato.

Cost to attend the luncheon only is $40. Silent auction items will be available with proceeds to benefit the Violence Enders program of the VPC.

For more information or to register, call the VPC Project Director Karen Lytwyn at (815) 720-4261 or e-mail her at klytwyn@wchd.org. Event information is also at www.wchd.org.

Posted Sept. 21, 2012