THE VIEJAS BAND OF KUMAYAAY INDIANS TAKE A LEADING ROLE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILD ABDUCTION, ABUSE & EXPLOITATION IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

The Viejas Band of Kumayaay Native Americans has taken a bold stand against child abduction and molestation in the San Diego area by generously contributing $57,000 to the AmberWatch Foundation, a national non-profit organization that educates elementary-aged children on staying safe and out of the hands of abductors and predators.

The AmberWatch Foundation "Be Safe!" program utilizes a highly interactive situation learning format whereby law enforcement professionals demonstrate to students, in a non-threatening way, how to respond to real-life "what if?" scenarios. The AmberWatch Foundation has recently reached San Diego County, where it is facilitating presentations of the “Be Safe!” Curriculum in elementary school assemblies.

“The contribution that the Viejas tribe has made will go a long, long way in getting the ‘Be Safe!’ curriculum out to the children of San Diego County,” says Keith Jarrett, executive director of the AmberWatch Foundation. “The citizens of San Diego County are uniquely aware of the tragic consequences of leaving our children vulnerable to abductors and predators. With this very generous contribution, the Viejas tribe has established itself as a champion of educating San Diego’s children on how to protect themselves and stay safe.”

Each year, the Viejas Band makes philanthropic donations to hundreds of local community groups, schools, service and civic organizations, as well as charity events sponsored by other commercial businesses. Such support comes directly from the Viejas Tribal Council and its wholly owned business enterprises - Viejas Casino, Viejas Outlet Center, Borrego Springs Bank, and two RV parks.

"The children are the leaders of tomorrow. As adults, it is our duty to take the necessary steps to protect them. The Kumeyaay people see the children as our future," says Alan Barrett, Viejas Councilmember. "It is a vital mission that not only deserves our support, it demands it."

The AmberWatch Foundation is a public, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the
prevention of child abduction and child endangerment. Its mission is to facilitate the
AmberWatch Foundation “Be Safe” education program for children, parents and the community
through an interactive situation learning approach which involves law enforcement
professionals. For more information, visit www.AmberWatchFoundation.org.