FORT PIERCE — Calling all kids! If you haven’t already put this event on your schedule of things to do this weekend, you should do that right now. The Pilot Club of Fort Pierce, in conjunction with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Bike Rodeo, will present their annual BrainMinders Carnival on March 19 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Pierce.

Children attending will be given a free bicycle helmet while supplies last, along with proper use instructions and other safety tips. Kids are encouraged to bring their bicycles with them to the event.

The bicycle helmets are sponsored by Dr. Brad Deiner of Ocean Chiropractic of Fort Pierce. Additional support is being given by Windsor Imaging, the Epilepsy Foundation and the Florida Department of Health.

It promises to be a fun day for kids of all ages. While at the event kids can learn how to keep their “brains” injury free while enjoying daily sports and games.

The BrainMinder Buddies program teaches injury prevention through Play Safe, Play Smart, utilizing the story “Wise Old Owl and his Fuzzy, Funny, Smart and Sunny BrainMinder Buddies." Characters in the story include Gerald Giraffe, Helmet Safety; Martin Monkey, Playground Safety; Penny Panda, Seatbelt Safety; and Fiona Fox, Crossing the Street Safety.

An additional program for children 7-8 years of age features Brave Bob Beagle, Gun Safety; Toolip Pig, Safety in the Kitchen; Hero Horse, Helmet Safety; Captain Kitty, Boating Safety; and Danny Deep, Swimming Safety.

BrainMinders is the signature project for Pilot International Foundation focused on traumatic brain injury and brain disorders. The project encompasses a public service campaign designed to promote brain awareness; prevention education programs for children and adults; workshop and speakers bureau materials; a partnership with Care Trak Inc. Systems, a tracking program; and support for brain-related programs.

“We’ve all seen the tragic results of what happens when children are brain injured during accidents while playing,” said Tena Sigmon, event chairperson. “The Pilot Club of Fort Pierce is so happy to team up with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office to provide this free training and these free helmets for kids. In fact, nationwide, over a quarter of a million kids are safer because of the BrainMinders program.”

All children in the community are invited to attend this free event. Guests will also enjoy face painting, a bounce house, games, and a puppet show. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office will be doing free fingerprinting of children. There will be a skateboard demo at noon with a team from Undercover Skate Shop at Sabal Palm Plaza. Vendors will be on site, selling hot dogs and popcorn.

Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 2011 S. 13th St., just north of Virginia Avenue in Fort Pierce. For more information or to be a sponsor, contact Event Chairperson Tena Sigmon at (772) 828-1716.

About The Pilot Club of Fort Pierce

The Pilot Club of Fort Pierce is a local chapter of Pilot International, a volunteer organization of women focused on helping people affected by brain-related disorders and traumatic brain injuries. The Fort Pierce Chapter has been active in this community for more than 50 years, contributing their time and talents to fundraising and service to help better the lives of local residents. For membership information, contact Membership Chairperson Joan Dodds at (772) 971-2212.

About The Pilot International Foundation

The Pilot International Foundation is the charitable arm of Pilot International, a global organization of approximately 25,000 adult and youth members who are working together to improve the quality of life in local communities and throughout the world. Pilot's service focus is helping people affected by brain disorders and disabilities through volunteer activities, projects and fundraisers.