By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center will hold a free event at Hidden Meadows Vineyard and Winery on April 20 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to celebrate the community’s efforts in preventing child abuse.

“[Raise A Glass to Awareness] is not a fundraiser. It’s simply a thank you to everyone for supporting our efforts here at the children’s advocacy center, as well as a time to encourage everyone in the community to do all they can to help protect children in the county,” executive director Jana Zuelzke said. “Child abuse prevention is really a community effort.”

According to Zuelzke, the theme is blue to match the blue ribbon that symbolizes child abuse prevention, so Butterfly Bridge will bring in Birmingham-based blues musician James Mullis.

“I thought he was great. It was fresh,” Butterfly Bridge board member Brad Carter said of a time he saw Mullis perform. “It was nice seeing something unique. He’s just an old soul.”

Mullis will perform on the patio in the relaxed atmosphere of the vineyard as guests celebrate children’s advocacy.

There will be free wine tasting and appetizers at the event. Wine from the vineyard will be available for purchase.

There will also be a pinwheel garden consisting of blue pinwheels purchased by supporters of child abuse prevention. The garden will be a visual representation of how many children were impacted by the efforts of the community in partnership with Butterfly Bridge.

Butterfly Bridge staff will be there to answer any questions about what the organization does or how to get involved.

Hidden Meadows Vineyard is located at 664 County Road 606 in Jemison.