Revved Up Kids to Hold St. Patrick's Event

A North Fulton nonprofit that teaches young people how to recognize sexual predators, avoid dangerous situations and, if necessary, escape attackers wants to expand the number of kids it equips to protect themselves, particularly those whose families cannot afford to pay for such training.

“Child sexual abuse is real, it’s common and it’s ugly,” said Alli Neal, co-founder of Johns Creek-based Revved Up Kids. “It’s a very challenging conversation for parents to have with their kids, but it’s also very important. The easiest target for a predator is a child who doesn’t know predators exist."

Revved Up Kids works with many private groups who can afford to pay tuition for training, and it raises money to provide training for economically disadvantaged children and teens. Thanks to the significant support it has received so far, Ms. Neal said, the organization has been able to train thousands of low-income children. The goal, however, is to do much more.

With that aim in mind, Revved Up Kids is undertaking its first fundraising event, Shamrock 'n Roll, on March 16, to be held at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek. It promises to be a fun evening, featuring gourmet food and drinks, music and dancing, casino-style games, a wine/spirits pull, and raffle prizes.

Revved Up Kids is trying to get the word out about the event and is selling tickets and sponsorship packages via its website. Already signed on as sponsors are Black Dog Signs, Kaiser Permanente, Grimes Insurance, and Choices to You.

The organization decided to host Shamrock 'n Roll because, although private donations and grants have helped it reach disadvantaged communities, a fundraising event offers an opportunity for supporters to come together in celebration of accomplishments while also laying the foundation for future impact.

"We couldn't do what we do without the support of the community," she said. "And we're really grateful for the support we've received so far."

Revved Up Kids was founded in 2010 after Ms. Neal and her husband David realized a need facing Atlanta children. The two, who had always been committed volunteers and advocates for children's safety, learned that more than one in 10 children were being sexually abused before turning 18. Through further research, they learned that local nonprofit organizations addressing sexual abuse primarily focused on victim restoration rather than prevention training.

And so they set to work. Since Revved Up Kids’ launch, almost 12,000 children and teens throughout metro-Atlanta and North Georgia have been trained to protect themselves from sexual abuse and exploitation. The organization has also worked with thousands of parents to provide resources to help them address this difficult topic with their children.

Ms. Neal said proceeds from Shamrock 'n Roll will help Revved Up Kids move toward its goal of training 1,000 young people a week by 2020. As to the event itself, Ms. Neal simply hopes that Shamrock 'n Rollers have a good time and know that their support is greatly appreciated.

For more information on the event and to purchase tickets or sponsorship packages, see www.revvedupkids.org/shamrock-...