Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: NEWS

Media Credit: Bo Joplin A family night event showed Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," to raise awareness of child abuse.

Media Credit: Bo Joplin As parents and children waited for the sun to go down and the movie to start, the Sigma Alpha Iota Fraternity entertained guests with Disney inspired music.

Media Credit: Bo Joplin Before the sun went down, kids gathered around the computer screen to watch "Beauty and the Beast." Once dark enough, the movie was projected onto a big screen.

Blankets were scattered across the lawn of Denton's Courthouse Friday night for a showing of Walt Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." The Alpha Tau fraternity and the Children's Advocacy Center for Denton County organized a family movie event to raise awareness for child safety.

Joseph Gonzalez, president of the Latino fraternity, came up with the idea to host the event.

"I couldn't have done this without the help of my guys," Gonzalez said while making last minute preparations.

With only eight male members of the Alpha Tau fraternity, they managed to get more than 40 participants.

Gonzalez said the event raised $800 for the center.

While the children and parents waited for the sun to go down and the movie to start, Sigma Alpha Iota, an international fraternity for women, sang Disney-inspired songs and melodies, encouraging the children to participate. Pizza and ice cream were also available and donations encouraged.

Dan Leal, executive director of the Children's Advocacy Center, spoke to the crowd about the importance of protecting children and gave background information about the facility.

The Children's Advocacy Center, a nonprofit organization, provides justice for abused children, as well as free services for the families to rehabilitate.

"Parents must be aware and speak openly to their kids about their bodies and what is appropriate to touch," Leal said.

In the majority of cases the center sees, the abuser is someone the child knows or trusts. Leal reiterated the importance in trusting children and keeping them informed.

Carol Nguyen, a Brenham senior, used to volunteer at the center and wanted to help Alpha Tau put on the event.

"They are in constant need of funding and volunteers," Nguyen said. She said her past experience volunteering gave her immense satisfaction and she continues to be involved with the center.

Mary Pastorius, student life director, brought her four-year-old son to the event.

"This is the perfect family night and a great partnership that impacts the community," Pastorius said.

She suggested having a movie night once a month to sponsor other nonprofit organizations.

Gonzalez said he was pleased with the outcome of the event and that it was "not about the money, but more about raising awareness."

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