Peoria Heights to Light Tower Park Fountain Pink in Honor of #GirlsDay
City Joins Center for Prevention of Abuse to Recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month
PEORIA HEIGHTS – The City of Peoria Heights will light the Tower Park fountain pink in honor of #GirlsDay at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 29, 2025.
#GirlsDay honors survivors and builds a community where individuals feel safe to be who they truly are, embracing the good, the bad and the ugly. #GirlsDay takes place from 12 – 4 p.m. on Oct. 4 at Café Santa Rosa, coinciding with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with the Center for Prevention of Abuse as the beneficiary.
“Peoria Heights is deeply honored to host this year’s #GirlsDay event presented by the Center for Prevention of Abuse. We are especially grateful to partner with Marie Morris and Carol Merna to have Tower Park serve as the site for the beautiful fountain lighting ceremony, a symbol of our community’s commitment to awareness, fellowship and positive change,” said Peoria Heights Mayor Matthew Wigginton. “The opportunity to gather at one of our most cherished landmarks for such a meaningful occasion fills us with pride and gratitude. #GirlsDay is more than a singular event—it is an endeavor to inspire, uplift, and strengthen and Peoria Heights proudly supports that mission.”
Founded by Marie Morris, #GirlsDay raises funds for CFPA’s free and confidential services for survivors of abuse. Together, we’re building a community where everyone feels safe to be who they truly are.
“CFPA is deeply grateful to Marie Morris and the organizers of #GirlsDay for not only creating such a meaningful event, but also for bringing our community together in partnership with Mayor Wigginton and the City of Peoria Heights,” said Carol Merna, CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse. “#GirlsDay celebrates resilience, honors survivors, and directly benefits those we serve through our free and confidential services. Lighting the Tower Park fountain magenta is a powerful symbol of unity and hope ahead of the event, and we are proud to stand alongside our community in raising awareness.”
Following remarks from Wigginton, Merna and Marie, the fountain will glow magenta to highlight the upcoming #GirlsDay event and call attention to this important issue.
Marie experienced sexual abuse and other trauma as a child. After living for years with shame, anger and feeling undeserving of love and happiness, Marie decided to live a different life. She focused on healing and growth. Every day Marie chooses to keep moving forward with her life.
She started #GirlsDay to share the support she’s received with others who are living with trauma and those who support them.
#GirlsDay is a family-friendly event. Come join a community of friends and supporters as we honor the resilience of survivors and learn about the resources available at CFPA. Enjoy fun, hands-on activities, delicious food, and great camaraderie. Make connections and spend a meaningful day with old and new friends.
Get #GirlsDay tickets and learn more here: https://www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org/events/girlsday/
About the Center for Prevention of Abuse
The Center for Prevention of Abuse (CFPA) is the only agency authorized by the state of Illinois to provide a combination of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and adult protective services for survivors of abuse. Annually, CFPA serves nearly 6,000 people affected by violence and abuse. CFPA offers school-based abuse prevention programming to students pre-K through college age, reaching more than 41,000 young people each year. Through these activities, plus community presentations and trainings, CFPA lives out its mission to help all people live free from violence and abuse. For more information about CFPA, visit www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org or call 309-691-0551. The crisis line is available 24/7 1-800-559-SAFE (7233) and all victim services are free and confidential.