Mission: to break the cycle of child abuse through prevention, education and advocacy.

The foundation is best known for raising $12 million to build the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center, the county’s emergency shelter for abused and neglected kids. Opened in 1994, the Polinsky Center offers a full range of assessment and care programs to more than 4,000 children every year. Through ongoing programs and services, the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation has helped hundreds of thousands of children from birth through early adulthood not only heal, but to grow up to live productive, healthy lives free of abuse or neglect.

Throughout April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention month, San Diegans can take part in Chow Down for Children by patronizing participating restaurants throughout the region. Chow Down for Children is a San Diego-wide restaurant event designed to raise awareness of child abuse and assist the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation in preventing neglect and abuse. Each establishment will customize their involvement by either selling $5 opportunity tickets, donating a percent of their proceeds, or designing a menu item in support of the foundation.

For more information about the foundation or to purchase opportunity drawing tickets, please call 858-278-4400, or visit the Chow Down for Children event page at capfsd.org.