KLAAS RIDES AZ "TRAIN OF VALUES"

The Marc Klaas Foundation for Children took its show on the road this spring as part of a Southwestern child safety awareness campaign sponsored by the Arizona Deli and Bakery Association, Coca- Cola, John-Morrell, Swift-Eckrich, and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. The Foundation joined a highly successful seven-week "Train of Values" promotional tour to 15 Arizona cities, educating communities on crime prevention and offering child safety information and ID kits.

The Foundation's work in this event has received major state and national newspaper coverage and was featured on CNN broadcasts. Foundation founder Marc Klaas visited the area several times to speak to community groups.

"His presence has really heightened our awareness and, more importantly, has heightened awareness for parents," says Debbie Armer, president of the Association. "People look at their own children and think,'God forbid anything like this should happen to me.' " The program has met with a tremendous public response--over 3,500 children were fingerprinted and photographed for their ID kits. Crown Plaza Hotel in Phoenix, AZ, and the Association donated housing and travel, while the Arizona School Food Service Association surprised the Foundation with a $1,000 check. Future planning is focused on extending the tour nationally.

The Marc Klaas Foundation for Children recently co-sponsored the "Defensive Living Fair," with the Jenny Lin Foundation on May 13-14 at the Castro Village in Castro Valley, California. The event is just one of many child safety events the Marc Klaas Foundation takes part in each year. Featured displays and demonstrations included the American Red Cross, Castro Valley Fire Department, Eagle Claw Kung Fu Studio, DARE, and the Eden Medical Center.

More Foundation-sponsored child safety days are being planned for the next year in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club of America.