How's it growing?

Kansas City’s Tower Tavern hosted a “Stache for Cash” – a mustache growing contest that raises funds to prevent and treat child abuse in the metro area.

This event took place during the month of June at Tower Tavern, 401 East 31st St., Kansas City. Each Wednesday, there was a “How’s it Growing?” party where men have their mustache judged and weekly prizes are given away. Each ‘Stache Grower has been asked to raise $150 in pledges to participate in the Stache for Cash and the money will be donated to the Child Abuse Prevention Association.

Nearly $2000 was raised for abuse prevention.  Prizes were awarded in the following categories:  Best in Show, Creepy Stache, Novelty Stache,  Dad Stache. 

At the closing of the event, local band, FIVE DEFY played their music that is full of raw energy, beautiful layers and eccentric impulses.

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Every day across the country, the very people children rely on for protection and comfort subject them to abuse or neglect. Children in our own community face these same risks. According to Community Level Information on Kids, Missouri had 56,835 child abuse victims from reports classified as “probable cause,” indicating the abuse had occurred. 

Out of this 56,835, 7,511 were from Jackson County; this means that 4.5 percent of the 167,286 children in Jackson County are “probable cause” for abuse.

At least 160 calls are made to the child abuse and neglect hot line each day in Missouri. The first seven ZIP codes 64127, 64133, 64052, 64050, 64130, 64132, 64056 are the areas where the most Child Welfare Hotline calls are made; 400-plus in each code per year.

Child abuse increases risks for criminal violence, substance abuse and suicide as well.  Other research shows that abuse/neglect can affect a child’s brain development, resulting in lasting deficits in impulse control, cognition, emotional development and learning potential.

CAPA was founded in 1975 by the Independence Junior Service League in response to concerns about child abuse. Initially volunteers went to local hospitals and talked with new mothers about how to care for their newborn, and they provided information regarding child development, health care and area services. Since then, CAPA has expanded its prevention efforts to include a continuum of services within three program areas: prevention education, family support and counseling. 

CAPA’s mission is to prevent and treat all forms of child abuse by creating changes in individuals, families and society that strengthen relationships and promote healing. In 2007, CAPA helped more than 11,000 individuals and provided more than 21,000 hours of service to those in need.

If you’d like to help sponsor or donate to CAPA or need additional information please contact CAPA call 816-252-8388.