CONNECT
community CELEBRITY WAITERS RAISE FUNDS FOR BATON ROUGE KIDS The Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center (BRCAC) is excited to resume its 15th annual Celebrity Waiter fundraiser in person this year on Wednesday, August 18 at L’Auberge Casino Hotel. Since 2006, the event has raised money to fund programs and services BRCAC provides to support child abuse victims and their families. The nonprofit now supports children who have been sexually or physically abused in four parishes: East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Iberville and Pointe Coupee. The event highlights will include a tip competition among the local celebrities who serve as waiters for the evening, a silent auction featuring more than 100 items, and a live auction. Tickets are $75 each and include a raffle entry. ■ batonrougecac.org
BR GENERAL TESTING COVID-19 PREVENTION NASAL SPRAY
Vaccines remain our best way to prevent COVID-19 infections now, but scientists are working on additional ways to prevent disease. Researchers at Baton Rouge General are studying whether a new at-home nasal spray can prevent COVID-19 and are seeking adult volunteers who have not had COVID-19 to be part of the phase two clinical trial. “The initial data is very encouraging, and through this trial, we hope to find a safe, effective prevention option that acts as a barrier of defense against upper respiratory infections like COVID-19,” says rhinologist Dr. Henry Barham, who is leading the research. If successful, sprays could provide protection against other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, as well. ■ brgeneral.org
PREPARING KIDS FOR SEVERE WEATHER
August is an active month for hurricane season, and the potential for severe weather can evoke strong emotions in children. Child Advocacy Services has created Prepared Not Scared, an interactive resource to educate children and families about severe weather. The resource helps address feelings and fears that can arise around emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and thunderstorms. Prepared Not Scared introduces “Sunny,” a friendly turtle who helps with preparation, shares communication tips and emphasizes the importance of developing a plan for all types of severe weather. While weather is unpredictable, discussing appropriate responses in advance can increase safety levels and children’s comfort levels when faced with these types of emergencies ■ childadv.net 14
AUGUST 2 0 2 1 | B R PA R E N T S . C O M
LAUNCH THERAPY HELPS LIVINGSTON CHILDREN
Launch Therapy Center in Livingston Parish helps exceptional children lead extraordinary lives by providing high-quality, evidenced based therapy practices, support groups and education. The center has been operating since 2015 and has served more than 1,500 children with disabilities and their families. Launch is able to do this work because of community support. More than 80 local businesses and individuals made its recent Derby After Dark a huge success, and the first in-person fundraiser since COVID-19 raised more than $110,000 for children of Launch. The Kentucky Derby-themed event was presented by First Guaranty Bank and hosted by Shepherd Wealth Solutions. Launch has two Denham Springs locations with 15 therapists and 7 support staff. ■ launchpeds.com
