December 20, 2004
| For Immediate Release: December 20, 2004 |
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FIRST LADY ANNOUNCES ANDREAWALKS DATES FOR 2005 “I’m pleased to announce today the walk dates and locations for the continuation of ‘Andrea Walks for Tennessee’s Children,’” said Conte. “In February, I’ll begin walking in Chattanooga, and will walk through 11 counties before reaching Bristol, the final destination of the Walk.” This initiative will help draw local and statewide attention to the role Child Advocacy Centers play in their communities, she said, as well as the need for additional funding from the communities they support. “These centers are so important,” Conte said. “Last year, 6,000 children were helped by Children’s Advocacy Centers across the state. It is my goal to raise awareness that child abuse is a problem, that it’s prevalent and it’s underreported, and to raise money for these organizations that play a vital role in helping child abuse victims. As I make my way across the state, it feels good to know that together we’re accomplishing those goals through this walk.” First Lady Conte and “AndreaWalkers” launched their journey four months ago in Memphis. Since then, the First Lady and more than 1,600 Tennesseans have logged over 300 miles during their journey, walked through 19 cities in West and Middle Tennessee and visited 15 Child Advocacy Centers. To date, “AndreaWalks” has raised more than $600,000 toward its $1 million goal. A longtime advocate for victims’ rights issues, Conte made promoting and providing support for the state’s Child Advocacy Centers a priority issue when she became First Lady of Tennessee in 2003. By bringing together professionals from law enforcement, criminal justice, child protective services, victims’ advocacy agencies and the medical and mental health communities, Child Advocacy Centers provide comprehensive services for child victims and their families. The statewide campaign began on September 8 in Memphis and will end in Bristol in April 2005. “Andrea Walks for Tennessee’s Children” is a collaborative effort of the Office of the First Lady, Tennessee Chapter of Child Advocacy Centers, and You Have the Power…Know How to Use It, Inc. To learn more about AndreaWalks or to register to walk with First Lady Conte, visit www.AndreaWalks.com. ### NOTE TO MEDIA: A complete schedule of walk dates and locations is listed below for publication.
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