Abstract
Descriptive qualitative case studies were conducted to examine the evolution of special events in a large-scale program in South Carolina to prevent child abuse and neglect. For these analyses, narrative project logs were reviewed from 3 selected project communities, and emerging themes and topics were identified. The development and use of special events to promote project goals varied in each of the 3 different types of community contexts. Results are discussed in terms of a transformative model of community growth and change.