On April 1st, partners, advocates, and community members from across Colorado gathered to launch Child Abuse Prevention Month with our annual Pinwheels in the Chambers event.
Celebrating Leadership in Prevention
A highlight of the morning was the presentation of the 2026 Illuminating Leadership Awards, honoring individuals and organizations who are advancing prevention efforts and helping create the conditions where children and families can thrive.
These leaders represent the heart of prevention work in Colorado. They are showing what’s possible when we invest in families, build strong communities, and work together toward a shared vision of brighter childhoods.
Here were this year’s awardees…
2026 Community Leadership Award
The Community Leadership Award recognizes an individual or a group of individuals who have dedicated an extraordinary amount of their time and openly shared their experiences to further systemic change and strengthen families in Colorado.
Award Recipient: Kevin Klinkerfues & Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church
2026 Dynamic Leadership Award
The Dynamic Leadership Award recognizes an individual, group of individuals, or organization who has dedicated time, expertise, and experiences to collaboratively implement programs and partner on initiatives with Illuminate and their communities to strengthen families in Colorado.
Award Recipient: Dr. Amanda Bird Gilmartin and the KICS team (Angie Turbyfill accepting)
2026 Curageous Leadership Award
The Courageous Leadership Award recognizes an individual or group of individuals in elected office or public employment for distinguished service prioritizing the prevention of child maltreatment and strengthening families.
Award Recipient: U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen
2026 Catalytic Leadership Award
The Catalytic Leadership Award honors an individual, group of individuals, or organization who has invested or inspired philanthropic investment to accelerate the prevention of child maltreatment and strengthen families in Colorado.
Award Recipient: Colorado Community Health Alliance
2026 Innovative Leadership Award
The Innovative Leadership Award is presented to an individual, group of individuals, or organization who has made significant contributions to the field of child maltreatment prevention.
Award Recipient: Ruth Horn (presented by Joan Holtz and Kelli Sutton — thank you, Ruth, for joining us via Zoom!)
2026 Lori Moriarty Leadership Award
Lori Moriarty, a former Children’s Trust Fund Board Member, 20 year law enforcement veteran, and founder of both the Colorado and National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children, was unyielding in her efforts to educate professionals on prioritizing drug endangered children. The Lori Moriarty Leadership Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated lifetime achievements in their career that exemplify the dedication and character displayed by the late Commander Lori Moriarty.
Award Recipient: Jose Esquibel
A Visible Commitment at the Capitol
Following the awards, attendees made their way to the Colorado State Capitol, filling the Senate and House galleries in a powerful show of support for children and families.
Dressed in blue and joined by the symbolic pinwheels, participants witnessed official Child Abuse Prevention Month tributes being read in both chambers. These moments serve as an important reminder that prevention is a shared responsibility and that supporting families is a priority across our state.
Building Momentum for the Month Ahead
Pinwheels in the Chambers marks the beginning of a month-long effort to raise awareness, share resources, and engage communities across Colorado in prevention-focused work.
As we move through April, the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign invites all of us to take part—whether by sharing messages, participating in events, or supporting families in our everyday lives.
Because when families are supported, children can grow up safe, healthy, and full of possibility.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on April 1st, and congratulations to all of the 2026 awardees!
Learn more about Child Abuse Prevention Month and get involved in the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign at COPinwheelsForPrevention.org.
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