The ball is off and rolling, as a world record-breaking campaign was launched last week to help neglected and abused youth.
Community Treatment Solutions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the most at-risk youth affected by trauma, abuse and neglect in New Jersey, held a “roll-off” event to announce its campaign “Bands that Unite US,” a commitment to break the world record for the biggest rubber band ball as well as to spread awareness of at-risk youth. “Bands that Unite US” will include a Rubber Band BUS tour, where the ball will make stops at events and public and private locations for people to have the opportunity to add rubber bands, take photos and be a part of a worthy endeavor.
“(The rubber band ball) is really about ‘Bands that Unite US,’ the advocacy of effective programs for children and youth to prevent abuse and to support them when they have been abused. We’ve got to ‘band’ together to address the needs of these youth. The rubber band ball is just a symbol; this is a call to action,” Susan Buchwald, CEO of CTS, said.
The idea for the rubber band ball came about when CTS was tasked with sending a 5,000 person mailing on a very tight deadline. Sixty people showed up to help, and each envelope was labeled, stuffed and stamped within three hours to make the deadline. Through all of the stress, Buchwald created a rubber band ball, which sparked the idea.
It seems only fitting that as CTS sets on its journey, April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. CTS has the goal to break the rubber band ball record of 9,032 pounds, which was approved by Guinness World Records, but also to unite everyone in support of youth who have been abused, neglected and abandoned.
“We know that traumatized youth, if not resolved, the effects will have long-term impacts … It’s really about the children,” Buchwald said.
The first band added to the ball was given to the most fitting person, Michael Hess, a 26-year-old man who has gone through CTS’ programs. At the age of 9, he was a youth affected by abuse. Hess is now a behavioral assistant with the organization.
“Coming to this program changed my life for the better. There was nothing bad about it. I felt safe and comfort when I needed it. Without it, I wouldn’t be standing here today,” Hess said.
From there, a number of those who attended added to the ball, including Burlington County Freeholder Mary Ann O’Brien and Mayor Phil Garwood.
“It is our community coming together to make this happen. I think it is something we will all enjoy doing. I look forward to following it on social media and hope we all tell our friends what is going on with it,” Garwood said.
As the ball rolls along, at each stop everyone will get a chance to add a rubber band. There will also be the opportunity to buy a wristband that comes with a rubber band to add on. All proceeds and donations will go to CTS and its efforts to support at-risk youths and educate communities.
The first donation from the campaign started when CTS Trustee Cheryl Pliskin auctioned off $20. That $20 grew to a grand total of $3,000 with four individuals committing to pay $750 to CTS.
CTS has a year to try to break the record and spread its mission. So far, the rubber band ball already has a few stops planned as it rolls its way through New Jersey and Philadelphia. Some stops include Moorestown Township Public Schools, the Garden State Discovery Museum, the YMCA Mt. Laurel branch, Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey and Target in Mt. Laurel. There will also be an unveiling in Salem County.
To learn more about CTS, become a sponsor for the campaign or just to follow the rubber ball’s journey, visit ctsnj.org.
