Learn how to protect your brain while playing, riding your bike, skateboarding, and performing other outdoor activities. Free bicycle helmets will be handed out to all participating children.

FORT PIERCE, FL – MARCH 2011 - 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 Saturday, March 19th, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Pierce.  Children attending will be given a free bicycle helmet along with proper use instructions and other safety tips.

Kids of all ages 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,” stated 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!”  Sponsors are still needed to help pay for the free helmets given out to all children attending.

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.  There will be a skateboard demo at noon with a team from Undercover Skate Shop at Sabal Palm Plaza. And vendors will be on site selling hot dogs and popcorn.

Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 2011 South 13th Street, 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 over 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 fund raisers.