LANSING, MI (AP)-- Advocates and lawmakers holding silver and blue pinwheels gathered at the Capitol to highlight Michigan's commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect.
The Michigan Children's Trust Fund hosted a rally Tuesday.
Republican state Representative Bill Rodgers of Brighton was among the speakers. He said: "when kids live without fear they can be anything, they can do anything that they want."
The event's theme is "The Power of One," which means one person, organization and action can help prevent child abuse and neglect. Governor Rick Snyder has declared April Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Participants also planned to plant a "pinwheel garden," the national symbol for child abuse prevention.
The group says the total cost of child abuse and neglect nationwide is about $124 billion per year.