SALISBURY — Prevent Child Abuse Rowan’s executive director was all smiles as she took to the podium at Salisbury Academy’s chapel gathering in early May.

“Nothing makes me happier than kids helping kids,” said Beth McKeithan after accepting a check on behalf of the organization from the Salisbury Academy Bloom gala proceeds. “Without the strong partnership with Salisbury Academy, we would not be where we are today.”

As the featured nonprofit group for Salisbury Academy’s Bloom Industrial gala held March 18, Prevent Child Abuse Rowan received $2,500 to be used without restriction toward its mission of child abuse prevention and community education.

Donations such as the Bloom gift are essential to Prevent Child Abuse Rowan’s operation, McKeithan said, and the gift is especially timely given the influx of cases the organization is currently experiencing. The children have many personal needs, and some of the Bloom funds may be used to purchase items such as shoes, backpacks and toiletries.

“We also want to move the children quickly into the therapy process and start their road to healing and living a healthy childhood again. These gifts make this possible,” said McKeithan.

Beverly Fowler, head of school for Salisbury Academy, presented the gift to Prevent Child Abuse Rowan.

“Salisbury Academy is honored to support a nonprofit each year through our Bloom gala,” she said. “We believe deeply in PCAR’s mission and the caring individuals who deliver their services to our community, and we are privileged to play a role in their important work.”

To close the chapel service, McKeithan led the Salisbury Academy student body in a chant of “I am awesome.”

“Thank you to a warm, loving school who is willing to do whatever it takes to help others,” said McKeithan.