The Children’s Trust will celebrate the unparalleled achievements of local trailblazers who are improving the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County at the 13th Annual Champions for Children Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 14, 2018, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom.
The event will see Juvenile Division Circuit Court Judge Cindy S. Lederman accept the prestigious David Lawrence Jr. Champion for Children Award for lifetime achievement and dedication to children. Miami-Dade Public Defender Carlos J. Martinez will receive the Excellence in Public Policy Award and Director of Theatre for Young Audiences at Actors’ Playhouse, Earl Maulding, will accept the Excellence in Direct Service Award.
Champions for Children is a signature event amongst Miami-Dade’s robust network of child and family advocates and inspires others to follow in the footsteps of those who have effected immeasurable community impact. Honorees in the category of Program of the Year include Concerned African Women, Fit Kids of America, and Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School.
“It’s critical to hold up as shining examples the individuals and organizations we should all emulate in building a community and culture that puts its children first,” says James R. Haj, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “We try to live by that every day at The Trust, but many others in the community are unaware of our award recipients’ extraordinary achievements, achievements that are routinely changing the lives of children and families who often struggle in very challenging environments.”
In recognition of the divisions and strife that continue to plague our neighborhoods and our world, this year’s featured presentation will be a dance and vocal performance of “Somewhere” from West Side Story by Thomas Armour Youth Ballet in collaboration with Actors’ Playhouse. The celebrated musical is an update of Romeo and Juliet that was inspired by a deadly youth gang fight outside a New York dance hall in 1955.
For more information about Champions for Children visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.
The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County by making strategic investments in their future.
Media Contact:
Natalia Zea
Chief Public Policy & Community Engagement Officer, The Children’s Trust
natalia@thechildrenstrust.org