Two local nonprofits team up to prevent child abuse and neglect in Bay and Saginaw counties.  CAN Council Saginaw County has announced that it is merging with Bay County’s Nathan Weidner Children’s Advocacy Center (NWCAC).  CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region, the new entity, will strengthen programs and services that help prevent child abuse and neglect in the region.

“This is a major step to reach more children and families in our communities,” said Suzanne Greenberg, CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region president and CEO.  “Our organization has had their own respective programs, but coming together under one organization will increase our ability to provide top-notch prevention, intervention and advocacy for children in our communities.”

In 2010, CAN Council Saginaw County and the NWCAC provided services to 4,050 children, families and professionals in Saginaw and Bay counties.  Services included forensic interviewing, medical examinations, court advocacy, personal safety education, infant safety education and professional development.

“Those services were tailored to each community’s needs, and that will not change,” Greenberg said.  “We are looking forward to enhancing and expanding these crucial programs and services that support our mission of building communities where children are free from abuse and neglect.”

The merge will streamline administration while keeping critical services operational in each county.  A new board of directors has been created for CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region.

“We are extremely proud of the visionary leaders from both counties, who saw the need and the benefit of bringing our organizations together,” said Drewe Robinson, CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region board chair.

Thank you to all of the participants of the 3rd Annual Kruisin’ 4 Kids Bike Run.  The day started out with rain but cleared up and allowed for a great day of riding fun.  Thank you also to all of the area establishments that hosted a stop during the Run - Green Parrot in Chesaning, Drake’s Bar on the Dixie, Castaway’s in Bay City, Sporty’s in Pinconning, Auburn Hotel and Coty’s Landing.  A special thank you to Grand Central and owners Amy & Mike Beyerlein for starting the Run off and hosting the pig roast  afterwards.  A great big thank you to the committee members that make the Kruisin’ 4 Kids Bike Run possible - Ken Ayres, Amy Beyerlein, Judge Christopher S. Boyd, Jenn Clor and Delores Gale.

We look forward to seeing you again next year at the 4th Annual Krusin’ 4 Kids Bike Run.

Want to show off your motorcycle or classic car? Then join us at Grand Central Grill & Bar (3504 State Street) this Saturday for the 3^rd Annual Kruisin’ 4 Kids Poker Run. The bike/classic car run will wind through both Saginaw and Bay counties and return to Grand Central for a Pig Roast. Registration starts at 10 a.m. and the ride begins at 11 a.m. Cost is $10 per vehicle and an additional $10 per person for the Pig Roast. Relax to music in the tent after the run. For more information, contact Delores at 989-752-7226, Ken at 517-819-2633 or Amy at 989-529-0091.

The Children’s Advocacy Center is hosting its 13^th Annual Golf Outing on Friday, June 17, 2011 at Swan Valley Golf Club.  Thank you to golf event sponsor DUPERON EDUCATION.  Registration and continental breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m.  Registration for a team of four is $400.  The covers 18 holes with a cart, lunch at the turn, steak dinner and goody bag.  There will also be door prizes, skills contests and an auction.  Reservations to attend the dinner and auction, without golfing, are $20 per person.  Reservations can be made for individuals or teams of 4 golfers.  Limited sponsorships are still available.  To register online, click here, or for more information, please contact Bonnie Skornia at 989-752-7226, bskornia@cancouncil.org or visit the CAN Council website (www.cancouncil.org).