(From left) Ed Burr, Billie Jo Burr, Roy Yamaguchi and MG Orender

Hawaiian fusion cuisine by celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi, tropical drinks and live entertainment from Colleen Orender set the scene at the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, Inc.’s annual “A Night at Roy’s” event in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

(From left) Lynn Layton, MG Orender, Tabitha Furyk and Ed Burr

The celebration, which has become one of Northeast Florida’s most widely attended charity events, raised $47,000 including a $20,000 donation from the Tabitha and Jim Furyk Foundation. Along with a presentation from the Tabitha and Jim Furyk Foundation, Joni Shook, elementary school specialist, Duval County Public Schools, and Diena Thompson, program director for the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, shared their personal experiences with MBF Child Safety Matters™, a research–based, primary bullying and child abuse prevention education program. The funds raised support the foundation’s program, MBF Child Safety Matters™.

“We are overwhelmed by the turnout from this year’s event,” said Lynn Layton, executive director of the Monique Burr Foundation. “Education is key and we feel so blessed to have the community support us in our initiatives to bring awareness about bullying and abuse to parents, children and school personnel.”

(From left) Diena Thompson, Dennis Sullivan, Joni Shook and Ed Burr

Sponsors included 2nd Floor Marketing, Clockwork Marketing, Florida Lottery, Glenn Layton Homes, GreenPointe Holdings, Hampton Golf, Lee Printing, Pepsi, PRI Productions, Roy’s Restaurant, Southern Wine & Spirits, Sunbelt Rentals and Waste Management.

To learn more about bringing this program to your city or school, contact Lynn Layton at (904) 642-0210. More information about child abuse statistics and prevention education can be found at www.moniqueburrfoundation.org.