1,400 pinwheels placed in sand at Lowdermilk Park in Naples

NAPLES, Fla. —

The Collier Children’s Advocacy Center (Collier CAC) hosted its annual “Pinwheels at the Pier” event Friday at Lowdermilk Park. It marked National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Community members participated by purchasing a pinwheel in honor of a child. Proceeds support Collier CAC’s trauma-informed programs and services. Attendees helped place pinwheels in the sand the morning of the event.

Collier CAC staff and volunteers placed more than 1,400 pinwheels in the sand as a visible reminder that child abuse happens 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.

The Collier Children’s Advocacy Center is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.