The Lauren’s Kids foundation today announced the launch of its new specialty license plate, unveiling a design created by internationally acclaimed artist Romero Britto to focus attention on child sexual abuse prevention. The plate, titled “Love and Healing,” can be pre-ordered at laurenskids.org/plates, with proceeds going to support Lauren’s Kids’ education and awareness activities.
“Nothing is more important than keeping Florida’s innocent children safe, and through the sale of these license plates we will be able to greatly expand our efforts,” said Lauren Book, child sexual abuse survivor and founder of Lauren’s Kids. “This presents an opportunity for others not only to contribute to the cause, but to serve as rolling ‘billboards’ raising awareness within their communities while doing it.”
The specialty plate features a stylized rendition of the Lauren’s Kids logo designed by acclaimed contemporary pop artist Romero Britto. Britto is known for his use of pulsating colors and bold patterns as a visual language of hope and happiness. He has created artwork for such companies as Disney, Coca-Cola and Audi, and his work is prominently displayed on buildings and in galleries in South Florida and around the world.
“I decided to title this piece ‘Love and Healing’ because those sentiments are the driving force behind Lauren Book and the Lauren’s Kids foundation,” said Britto. “Lauren is on a mission to help and to heal survivors of sexual abuse, and to prevent others from having to live through the unthinkable nightmare she endured as a child.”
Everyone – from supporters of the Lauren’s Kids foundation mission to Florida art enthusiasts and all who care about children – can pre-order the plate using a voucher system. Vouchers, which cost $35.50 in addition to regular registration fees, can be purchased:
- Online at LaurensKids.org/plates
- By visiting a local tax collector’s office
- Through a private license plate agency
Once Floridians make the purchase, they will receive a Specialty License Plate Voucher Receipt. After 1,000 vouchers have been sold, production will begin and voucher holders will be notified that they can exchange their voucher for a specialty plate.
In June, Governor Rick Scott signed HB 7125 into law, which included approval for the Lauren’s Kids license plate. The Lauren’s Kids foundation receives $25 from each plate purchase, and under Florida law the proceeds must go directly toward education and awareness efforts.
Lauren’s Kids
Lauren’s Kids is a non-profit organization that works to prevent abuse and help survivors heal. The organization, which has offices in Aventura and Tallahassee, was started by Lauren Book, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who endured abuse at the hands of her nanny for six years. Her organization offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, elementary school prevention curriculum, annual 1,500-mile awareness walk, legislative advocacy and speaking engagements. For more information, visit laurenskids.org.