Pirates Communication
Press Release
Submitted by Judi Mackie
November 26, 2021
Members of the Fernandina Pirates Club, Inc. recently delivered shopping carts full of Thanksgiving groceries to C.A.R.R.T., the Child Advocate Rapid Response Team, a school-based program that provides advocacy for children and their families who have been the victims of and/or witness to crimes such as sexual or physical abuse, neglect, domestic violence, DUI incidence, survivors of homicide victims, and other violent and non-violent crimes. This holiday, eight families will benefit from the Pirate’s shopping frenzy.
Navigating grocery buggies, narrow passage ways, and weekly fliers, the Pirates invaded Winn Dixie on Amelia Island to pillage and plunder turkeys, potatoes, gravy, pies, rolls, and the other treasures providing local families complete Thanksgiving dinners, from cranberry sauce to whipped topping.
C.A.R.R.T. Program Manager Tanya Mungin, and Child Advocate Avis Kemp, greeted the crew to accept the bounty and describe some of the services they offer such as providing information about the criminal justice system and victim rights, referrals to other services and resources, assistance in applying for public benefits, crisis intervention, safety planning, and criminal accompaniment. Support groups for child victims on the topics of coping with abuse and neglect, domestic violence, bullying, anger management, conflict resolution, and basic coping skills are also available. C.A.R.R.T. can be reached through any of our Nassau County schools, or at (904) 277-9063.
This annual journey is just one of many programs the local non-profit, volunteer organization helps sponsor in our community. Although their primary focus is promoting the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival with their two road-worthy pirate parade ships, the Fernandina Pirates Club was founded in 1973 and is involved in many local charity events and sponsor their own annual scholarship contest for Nassau County high school seniors.
Upcoming appearances include the Black Friday Pajama Party on November 26th, the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 27th, and the Lighted Christmas Parade on December 4, 2021. All of these events will be held in downtown Fernandina Beach. This gnarly crew can also be had for a price for private functions. Visit www.FernandinaPirates.com for more information.